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Higher

Educ ation

Spotlight

on

NECI

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14

M arch 19 A pril 1, 2015

Pets
and
Animals
IN THIS ISSUE:
4: Animal Issues in the
Legislature
7: Public Drinking Water
Bill Stalled
8: Green Mountain Film
Festival

PRSRT STD
CAR-RT SORT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Montpelier, VT
Permit NO. 123

12: Downtown Barre is


Buzzing with Activity

Local Humane Society Comes


to the Rescue in Eden
by Michelle A.L. Singer

EAST MONTPELIER Late one cold Monday evening in February, Anne Ward, director of operations of the Central Vermont
Humane Society, got a call at her home. The Humane Society of
the United States was in contact with the Vermont State Police
about a case in Eden, Vermont. There were up to 50 dogs, they
said, and they had a search warrant they were going to serve in two
days. Could they count on Central Vermont Humane Societys
help? Anne said yes.
One week and three home visits later, over 80 animals had been
signed over to the Humane Society and distributed to shelters and
foster homes in Vermont and New Hampshire, almost twice as
many as they had been expecting. Almost all the animals were
dogs; there were just three cats and one duck. The duck, Miss
Kitty, has already found a home in Montpelier with a family that
has other ducks, giving her a flock to belong to. The cats needed
to be quarantined immediately and treated for ringworm, which a
shelter in Springfield volunteered to do.
This amazing case was met with an even more amazing response.
According to the Go Fund Me fundraising page for this rescue effort (www.gofundme.com/edentescueevent ), most of the animals
were living in deplorable conditions. Nearly all were living in their
own excrement and severely malnourished and dehydrated. There
were so many animals that there was not a single shelter in the
state that had the capacity to care for them all. There is no place in
Vermont or New Hampshire that can take so many animals with
such severe needs at one time. Response to this situation required
many different organizations to come together.

The Bridge
P.O. Box 1143
Montpelier, VT 05601

Painting by Joyce Kahn

Central Vermont Humane Society stepped up and collaborated


in a spectacular effort that drew on the resources of the North
Country Animal League, Spring Hill Horse Rescue, the Humane
Society of Chittenden County, and other area shelters as well as
dozens of individuals and veterinarians under the guidance of
the Vermont State Police and the Humane Society of the United
States. Each shelter is independently operated and has its own bud-

get and staff. These separate shelters and individuals came together
in an unprecedented coordination of area nonprofit rescues says
the Go Fund Me site. Each shelter contributed what it could and
what it did best.
For example, even though Central Vermont Humane Society
was willing to take responsibility for the animals, they were not
prepared to organize the emergency medical care the animals
needed right after they were rescued. But the Humane Society of
Chittenden County was, and they did. They set up an emergency
care clinic to meet the needs of the animals immediately. North
Country Animal League took care of transportation, providing
vehicles and numerous trips to get the animals to care and shelter.
And finally, Spring Hill Horse Rescue was willing to take on the
legal investigation and process the evidence for each animal to be
used in the violation report with the office of the states attorney.
Veterinarians gave and continue to give their help to provide the
numerous treatments the dogs need. Three dogs went immediately
into emergency care; one is recovering well, but the other two are
still in critical condition. One dog has a damaged intestinal system
and another has lymphoma. They are receiving the best care available and are comfortable.
Many of the dogs have extensive medical needs, from dental disease and eye infections to heart worms and hair loss. One dog had
to have three surgeries: for an infection of the uterus, for a partial
ear amputation so that an ear infection could be treated, and dental
work to address abscesses in her mouth. The veterinary community has been overloaded by the varying needs of the animals. It
will take months before all of them get the medical attention they
need and can be placed for adoption.
The situation in Eden is currently under investigation, and police are working with the office of the Lamoille County states
attorney. The owner of the pets was cooperative and voluntarily
surrendered the animals. There are still five dogs and four cats at

Continued on Page 5

PAG E 2 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 3

T H E B R I D G E

HEARD ON THE STREET


Joyce Kahns Pastels Accepted in Juried Show

nection, are invited to submit to Chandler original plays on social issues with a running time
of at least 45 minutes. Submissions may be made on paper or by electronic mail, but must
be received by April 30.
A $20 entry fee, a description of the plays record of past public presentation if applicable,
and a statement confirming that the play has not yet been produced professionally must accompany each submission. A second script may be submitted by the same playwright for an
entry fee of $15. Finalists will be notified by June 30, and each will receive a $150 cash prize.
Information may be found at www.chandler-arts.org.

Lighthouse Photographs on Display

Artwork by Joyce Kahn


MONTPELIER Artist Joyce Kahn entered three pastel landscapes into a juried Vermont
Pastel Society Show to be held May 9 - June 14 at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in
Manchester. All three were accepted. The shows theme is Complimentary Complements.

League of Women Voters Luncheon Address on Civic Engagement


WATERBURY Peter Levine, one of the country's most influential civic engagement
activists, will deliver the keynote address at the Vermont League of Women Voters' annual
spring luncheon March 21. This free event is open to the public and will be held at the Best
Western Hotel on 45 Blush Hill Road in Waterbury from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. If you are
interested, please call or email Sonja Schuyler at 802-899-3657 or sonjaschuyler@gmail.com.
Registration is required.
Peter Levine is director of CIRCLE, The Center for Information and Research on Civic
Learning and Engagement. His recent book We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For:
The Promise of Civic Renewal in America, provides a broad, clear definition of civic renewal, deliberation, and collaboration. It is for anyone interested in participatory democracy.
Civic renewal, to Levine, means addressing both citizen disengagement and institutional
corruption. He firmly believes Americans are ready to take on a serious and energized role
in fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

Playwriting Deadline Imminent


RANDOLPH Chandler Center for the Arts reminds playwrights that the deadline for
its play contest is coming soon! Writers from Vermont, or those with a strong Vermont con-

RANDOLPH Artist Christopher J. Fuhrmeister is currently showing photographs at Gifford Medical Centers art gallery through April
1. Fuhrmeister was given a Kodak Brownie
camera when he was 12 and bought his first
35-millimeter camera while in high school,
working on features for his yearbook and as
a newspaper sports photographer. He was a
general photographer for his college paper, and
later worked as a reporter/photographer for the
St. Johnsbury Caledonian-Record newspaper.
This exhibit is free and open to the public, and
will be displayed through April 1. The gallery is
located just inside the hospitals main entrance
at 44 S, Main St. (Route 12) in Randolph. Call
(802) 728-7000 for more information.

Bass Harbor Head


Light, Arcadia
National Park,
Maine

Nominations Sought for Teacher of the Year


BARRE Nominations are open for the 2016 Teacher of the Year program. The public
is invited to nominate teachers through April 10 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
TOY2016. The winner serves as an advocate for teachers, students and the education system. Public education is the foundation of democracy, and it is our moral imperative to
make it available to every child, starting in the formative years. We need to fully fund early
childhood education, close the opportunity gap and provide equal access to a foundation
of success for all children, said Rebecca Haslam, 2015 Vermont Teacher of the Year.To be
considered, a teacher must hold a current Vermont teaching license, with a minimum of
five years teaching experience, and be employed by a Vermont public, private or approved
independent school. For more information, visit http://education.vermont.gov/department/
awards/teacher-of-the-year.

Reporting on the Renaissance Plan

Re-inventing The Bridge as a nonprofit community newspaper


Update
Progress continues. Corporate bylaws have been developed, approved by attorney Paul Gilles and will be officially adopted at the first meeting of the interim board of directors at about the time you are reading these words.
The following article is of particular significance.
Article 2. Purposes
The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and literary purposes under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any
future federal tax code. The purpose of the Corporation shall be to publish a community newspaper, The Bridge, involving and challenging the local community in innovative and novel ways important to the development of vibrant local communities.

The Bridge Corps of Volunteers


A meeting with Brooke Pearson and Matt McLane of the Montpelier High School Community Based Learning program was immensely successful. Plans are taking shape for
an ongoing collaboration. As soon as possible up to four students will initiate activity in the Student Data Center Club. Following this, plans will be put in place to additionally activate, starting next September, a Student Research & Writing Club and a Student Marketing & Sales Club.
Elders or others who would like to join in developing plans and supporting ongoing student activity in these clubs, can contact me at 229-9715. Also we could use advice from
anyone with experience in 501(c)3 applications.

The Bridge Data Center


Based on a donation of two old-fashioned,
but still serviceable iMac computers with
programmed spreadsheets, a new data
center has been established at The Bridge
offices. All data concerning community
contributions and advertising revenue will
now flow to the data center operated by
the Student Data Center Club, supervised
by adult members of The Bridge Corps of
Volunteers. In this way up-to-date management information will become available for
current staff and board members at no additional cost while providing an invaluable
experience to both participating students
and supporting adults.
Wavell Cowan,
Chair, The Bridge Support Committee

Community Budget
Support Request

Become a Friend of The Bridge


by Subscribing and/or Donating Today!
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Thank
You!

PAG E 4 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Shark Fins, State Dog, Dog Fights and Bites


in the Legislature
by Ed Sutherland

MONTPELIER If the dog is humanitys best friend, and if all politicians are human,
then the dog must be the best friend of members of the legislature. From the start of this
year's session, politicians under the Golden Dome have been turning to dogs (and other
animals) as inspiration for legislation, no doubt seeking relief from more prickly issues,
such as budget deficits.

provide dog fighting equipment or a venue. Police or Humane Society officials can seize
property, equipment, money, securities and anything else of value furnished by a person
convicted of animal cruelty. Forfeiture can also happen if "there is probable cause to
believe that the property was used or is intended to be used in violation of this section,"
according to the proposal.

In January, Sen. John Rodgers, of Glover, introduced a bill that would have made the
beagle the states official dog breed. Objections that it would single out one particular
breed led to the bill's demise. In March, however, Rep. Job Tate, R-Mendon, proposed
the state adopt the rescue dog as the official canine. That bill, first read on March 10,
was sent to the Committee on Government Operations and is still under consideration.

Forfeiture would also include land. The bill reads, "All real property, including any
right, title, and interest in the whole of any lot or tract of land and any appurtenances
or improvements thereto, which is used in any manner or part to commit or to facilitate
the commission of a violation of any provision of chapter 84, subchapter 1, of this title."

Other animal bills mostly relating to protection of animals and humans surfaced
this year as well. The bills ranged from outlawing possession of shark fins to putting teeth
in the current laws on dog bites.
Regarding shark fins, sharks were once the reigning predator in the sea but are now
endangered. Shark fin soup is a delicacy, sometimes fetching $100 per bowl. Fishermen,
mostly in Asia, catch sharks, cut off their dorsal fins, and dump the animals back into
the ocean to die. The legislation banning the possession, sale, and distribution of shark
fins after July 1 would impose a fine of up to $1,000 per shark fin confiscated. Vermont
would become the 10th state outlawing the trade in shark fins.
The proposal, H.122, was introduced in early February. Its sponsor, Rep. James McCullough, D-Williston, is a member of the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife, and
Water Resources. "In as much as we can determine, there is no one possessing, buying,
or selling shark fins in Vermont at this time," McCullough said. That fact makes enactment easier, the House member added. The legislation gives Vermont "a voice and role in
curtailing this damaging practice," he explained.
The proposed House bill has languished in committee since being introduced in early
February. The bill was still in committee as of Friday, March 13, the date when proposals
must reach the House floor for a final vote.
Switching back to four-legged friends, the senate bandied about a bill to control dog
fighting. Bill S.102, is sponsored by Sen. Dick Sears, D-Bennington, and Sen. Tim Ashe,
D-Chittenden. Sears, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the bill "proposes
to create a process for asset forfeiture for persons convicted of using animals in animal
fights." The bill defines persons involved in animal cruelty as those who train, exhibit or

Allen Gilbert, executive director of the Vermont American Civil Liberties Union, expressed concern the forfeiture legislation went too far, telling senators the bill would give
law enforcement greater incentive to grab and sell property. Sixty percent of the proceeds
of forfeited property sold goes to the law enforcement agency involved in the seizure. The
remaining 40 percent is split between the local prosecutor and the state's general fund,
where it will fund alternative justice programs.
A bill related specifically to dog bite liability also hit the committee room. Vermont currently is among the handful of states that follow the "one-bite" common law governing
liability. This law assumes a dog owner is harmless in the case of an attack unless the
animal's owner knows the dog to be dangerous.
Although this requirement runs contrary to what is followed in most states, where there
is strict liability for dog owners, Vermont courts have refused to challenge the current
rule. For example, in a 2009 dog bite case, a three-year-old girl was attacked by a boxer.
The girl underwent emergency surgery. But in 2014, when the parents sued the animal's
owners to reclaim hospital expenses, Vermont's Supreme Court refused to get involved.
"Like the majority of courts which have considered the issue before us, we see no reason to
single out dog ownership for treatment that is different from that we apply to auto drivers,
storekeepers, and other human pursuits," the justices ruled.
The bill introduced in the House of Representatives seeks to bring Vermont into the
modern era. "This bill proposes to make a domestic dog owner strictly liable if his or her
dog bites a person," according to H.56 introduced by Rep. Michael Mrowicki, D - Putney.
Although much of the proposed legislation likely will not make it to the governor's desk,
the issues raised reinforce Vermont's rural roots and its struggle to update laws written
in another age.

Meet Sophie and Clover of The Bridge


Sophie and Clover, canine staff at The
Bridge, are rescue dogs Sophie through
Random Rescue in Williamstown and Clover
through Central Vermont Humane Society in
East Montpelier.

Sophie enjoys dancing. She is also very


good at snoring.

Clover loves car rides and romping


through fresh snow. She dislikes celery
and cannot be tricked into thinking it is
bacon.

T H E B R I D G E

Local Humane Society Comes


to the Rescue in Eden

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 5

Rescue dog Laney with CVHS volunteer


Kyle Tucker

Story continued from Page 1

the residence that were not surrendered, but Central Vermont Humane Society plans to see
the situation through to the end and will be there for the remaining animals as the case
progresses.
As animals are adopted, the shelters will have more space to bring the Eden animals in from
foster care and find them adoptive homes. Anne Ward has been at the Humane Society
since 2007 and says she has never seen so many dogs in foster care. They are running an
adoption special to free up space for the Eden dogs. Some of the Eden dogs are already up
for adoption. More information can be found on the CVHS website, www.centralvermonthumane.org, or by phone at 476-3811.

Dog Owner Threatens Disobedience if Fee Goes Up


by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Cindra Conison, owner of The Quirky Pet, a pet supply store on
State Street, claims she will refuse to pay the new dog licensing fee if it goes up from $10
to $22 as proposed in the latest city budget adopted on Town Meeting Day. The fee was
increased to pay for the dog waste stations located around Montpelier, including in Hubbard Park and on Stone Cutters Way. Conison has three dogs and her cost would go up
from $30 to $66 for the year.
Can I afford it? I certainly can. But if it were $22 I would not pay it. It would be principle. You are asking everybody to pay for something that not everybody uses. So everybody that has a dog bag is not using the waste receptacle, Conison said. Conison also
told city council members that many of her customers refuse to license their dogs for a
variety of reasons.
Conison brought up her objections to the proposed 120-percent dog license fee increase
at the March 11 city council meeting. The budget for the next fiscal year assumes higher
revenue to come from raising the existing $10 fee to $22 paid for approximately 413 dogs,
according to City Clerk John Odum. But in order for that fee hike to be adopted, the
council has to warn it and adopt it in public session. Meanwhile, several people, including council members Jessica Edgarly Walsh and Anne Watson, suggested it would be nice
to find a way to either pay for or reduce the cost of the dog waste receptacles other than
raising licensing fees. Several dog owners attending the meeting on March 11 urged the
council to find another way to pay for the facilities.
Each poop station could have a place to put donations, said Carolyn Grodinsky, newly
elected Parks Commission member. This is one area where I feel the bottom line is we
want people to have their dogs vaccinated. There has been rabies floating around.
Grodinsky also acknowledged Conisons assertion that many Montpelier dog owners

Protect Pets from Poison


by M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

oison prevention week for pets is March 1521. This annual observance started in
1961 to highlight the dangers of accidental poisonings in children, and is a great
time to discuss potential dangers to our pets as well.

In reviewing over 180,000 calls about pets exposed to potentially poisonous substances
in 2012, the Poison Control Center for the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that for the fifth straight year, prescription human
medications were the top problem. In 2012, 25,000 calls were taken that involved
human prescription medications: That's about 70 calls per day. The top three human
medications ingested by pets were heart/blood pressure pills, antidepressants and pain
medications.
The next most common poisonous substances. Affecting pets were insecticides, with
19,000 calls; over half of those calls were for cats. Our feline friends are very susceptible
to ingredients in many over-the-counter and veterinary products. Always read the label
fully and check with your veterinarian before applying any topical products on a cat!
Over-the-counter human drugs were the third most common form of pet poisoning,
including drugs such as aspirin and Tylenol and even herbal products and nutritional
supplements. Coming in fourth were veterinary products such as flavored chew tabs for
pets. In many of these cases, the entire bottle was consumed! Rounding out the top five
were household items, including cleaning products.
Dogs are much more likely to get into trouble around the house than cats, with Labrador
retrievers topping the list. They are followed by mixed-breed dogs, chihuahuas, golden
retrievers, and Yorkshire terriers. Prevention consists of pet proofing your home in the
same way you would child proof it: Keep all potentially toxic substances high up out of
reach or, even better, locked up.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of the items listed above or chocolate, foods
with xylitol sweetener (e.g., gum), a rodenticide or any lawn and garden product, call
your veterinarian immediately. If you are not sure if the product is toxic, call. It's better
to be safe than sorry. If you cannot reach your veterinarian, the ASPCA's Poison Control
Center has a 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435. Since 1978, they have handled over two
million calls.

refuse to license their dogs. I have no idea how many dogs there are in Montpelier, but I
know there are a lot more than 400. Grodinsky suggested forming a committee to find
creative ways to pay for what those at the meeting referred to as poop stations, which
consist of a metal post with a bag dispenser and a waste receptacle. Edgarly Walsh had
a similar idea, suggesting the Department of Public Works put some of the disused parking meters in Hubbard Park for dog waste bag users to put in coins when they walk their
dogs in the park.
Discussion then turned toward enforcement. If people are refusing to license dogs now,
then the city should concentrate on enforcement it was said. Council member Tom
Golonka suggested keeping the license fees at $10, but raising and enforcing fines for
those who dont get their dogs licensed.
Council member Dona Bate said updating the dog ordinance needs to be done. We are
definitely having an issue with people not picking up their dog waste, Bate said.
Council member Anne Watson encouraged Conison to work with the Parks Commission
to prepare a proposal.

PAG E 6 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

A Message From City Hall


This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

Community Engagement Encouraged as


Budget Challenges Lie Ahead
by Mayor John Hollar

he City Council begins the post-election year with the same members,
which will provide a degree of continuity that has not occurred in Montpelier in many years. While turnover can be a good thing for public bodies, I believe our city will benefit from a second year of continuity on the city
council.
Our council members, Tom Golonka, Jessica Edgerly Walsh, Anne Watson, Justin Turcotte, Thierry Guerlain, Dona Bate and me, hold diverse political views,
but are a group that works hard, listens respectfully and solves problems through
collaboration. The fact that our municipal budget was approved by 80 percent of
voters the highest in at least 30 years is a testament to the hard work of the
council. I look forward to serving another year with these talented and dedicated
individuals.
Public Participation
Only about one-third of Montpeliers registered voters voted on Town Meeting
Day. Although our voter turnout was higher than in many communities, a system
in which two-thirds of participants opt out clearly needs improvement. A recent
article in the Bridge included comments from many local residents who choose not
to vote, for a variety of reasons. We need to improve our understanding of why so
many voters choose not to participate in local elections and find ways to ensure
that their participation is meaningful.
One easy way to encourage greater voter participation is to allow for same-day
voter registration. I am pleased to join with City Clerk John Odum in supporting
legislation, S.29, a bill under consideration in the legislature which would allow
voters to register on the day of an election.
While our rate of voter participation should be higher, the level of citizen participation on our boards and commissions is remarkable. The council regularly has
to choose between highly qualified applicants for volunteer city positions. I am
constantly amazed by, and grateful to, the talented individuals who offer to spend
long hours volunteering on our boards, commissions and committees. Their participation makes Montpelier a far richer and more interesting city.
Public Engagement on the Budget
Montpelier also has an impressive level of community engagement on important
decisions. We have benefited greatly from citizen input on a range of issues in
recent months, including the Taylor Street development, our downtown design,
the bicycle and pedestrian master plan, and a city branding project.
We will be reaching out to the community this spring for help in solving the significant budget challenge that we will face in the coming years: how to maintain
our commitment to make sustainable infrastructure investments while keeping
our taxes affordable.

same manner while transferring another $500,000 toward capital improvements


the amount needed to reach a steady state. At the same time, I dont believe
our community can afford to add those additional costs to our tax rate.
We will hold a series of public engagement sessions this spring to get input from
the community on how best to solve this problem. Should we reorganize city
departments? Reduce services? Increase taxes? Those are the difficult choices that
lie ahead, and I look forward to hearing from community members about how to
solve this challenge.
Council Goals
Each year, the Council establishes the citys goals and priorities for the upcoming
year. (The current goals can be found on the citys website). The Council will
discuss the goals for 2015-16 at its meeting on March 25. My hope is that we will
agree to build on many of our existing priorities:
Stay on schedule for our two major city projects, the Taylor Street development and the bike path extension. Both projects have been delayed by
one year, but my goal for the city is to maintain the current schedule to
complete the bike path in the fall of 2016 and the Taylor Street project in
the fall of 2017.
Commit additional resources to Net Zero Montpelier. The Montpelier
Energy Advisory Committee has made great progress in framing the challenge and engaging in community outreach. In order to make meaningful
progress toward this goal, we will need to devote more city resources to this
project.
Make progress on making Montpelier a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly
community. We need to finalize our bike master plan and begin to implement it.
Continue to improve our communication with residents. This years electronic distribution of the annual city report, and the electronic notice of
winter on-street parking bans, are examples of the rapid change in the way
the city communicates. We need to build on these successes and modernize
the citys website. This work is well underway, and we need to ensure that
it is completed in a timely and cost-effective way.
As always, I appreciate having the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Montpelier.
Please feel free to call me at 223-4651 or email me at jhollar@montpelier-vt.org
with any comments or concerns.

Three years ago, we determined that the city was spending about one million dollars less each year on our roads and sidewalks than is needed to maintain them
in good condition. We adopted a six-year plan to increase infrastructure spending
by $166,000 annually for six years. We are now halfway towards that steady
state goal.
For the last three years, we have been able to increase significantly our infrastructure investment while still holding municipal tax increases to the rate of inflation.
That challenge has become more difficult each year, however, and will not be possible over the next three years without making structural changes in the delivery
of municipal services. We will not be able to deliver the same city services in the

Photo by Annie Tiberio Cameron

T H E B R I D G E

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 7

Bill to Protect Sources of Drinking Water Stalled


by Nat Frothingham

MONTPELIER Rep. Warren Kitzmiller, D-Montpelier, has expressed disappointment at a 2-7 straw vote on March 12 in the Vermont House Fish, Wildlife & Water
Resources Committee. That negative straw vote appears to have ended further consideration of H.33 in this session. H.33, a bill that has been championed by Kitzmiller had it
passed, would have given given municipalities in Vermont the power to regulate public
surface water drinking supplies.
Reacting to the committees vote a day or two after it was taken, Kitzmiller said, Im
rather disappointed I couldnt make the committee understand the seriousness of the
whole thing.
There is a short history of H.33.
In October 2011, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that the city of Montpelier could not
prohibit a range of recreational activities on Berlin Pond, the source of the citys drinking water and a pond where recreational activities had been off-limits for more than 100
years until the 2011 decision.
In the days and months that followed the October 2011 Supreme Court decision in the
town of Berlin, the city of Montpelier and other nearby communities, at least two camps
emerged. In one camp were people who favored a range of recreational activities on Berlin
Pond including fishing, boating and swimming. In a second camp, led by a group called
Citizens to Protect Berlin Pond were people who argued for full protection of the pond
as a drinking water resource that ought to be protected from human contact including
fishing, boating, swimming and the like.
In 2014, Citizens to Protect Berlin Pond submitted a petition to the Vermont Department
of Environmental Conservation seeking full protection for the pond. Another Montpelier
petition had been submitted earlier to the department that asked for a smaller number of
prohibitions protecting the pond from petroleum-based pollution.
In due course, the Department of Environmenal Conservation denied the Citizens petition. But it partly approved the citys petition by approving a ban on gasoline-powered
motorboats and ice augurs.
In the fall of 2014, Citizens to Protect Berlin Pond re-organized itself into a statewide
organization, the Vermont Coalition for Clean Water, and proposed H.33, a law that
would allow Vermont municipalities to assert local regulatory control over public access to
their surface water drinking supplies. The surface water affected by H.33 included about
a dozen ponds and a number of streams used as public drinking water supply sources
by communities such as St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, Barre, Brattleboro, Bellows Falls and
Montpelier.
According to Kitzmiller, there are 812 lakes and ponds in Vermont and if a dozen or so
ponds were affected by the proposed legislation there would still be 800 or so ponds left
open to recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating. The bill would affect 1.4 percent of the surface acreage of Vermont ponds and less than half of one percent
of the volume of water in the lakes and ponds of Vermont, Kitzmiller said.
At public hearings, Robert E. Dufresne, a professional engineer who has designed a
number of water treatment facilities across New England, including the Montpelier water
treatment plant, argued for passage of H.33. In his testimony he contended that allowing
recreational uses of Berlin Pond removes a key barrier to providing safe water to customers. He further argued that treated water does not test for every known contaminate
continuously. In fact, most of all the water reaching our customers has never been tested
for contamination. He finally argued, A typical water treatment facility does not as-

sure that water will be safe 100 percent of the


time. He continued, There are known contaminates that cannot be removed at any of
the water treatment facilities in Vermont.
But the House committee in its vote appeared to go along with the recommendations of David Mears, commissioner of
the Department of Environmental Conservation and other state officials. In his
testimony, Mears said, Job number
one is to protect clean drinking water.
He noted two pathways for achieving
this goal. The first such pathway is
to require filtration and he noted that
Montpelier has an advanced filtration
system that was put in place in 2000
to deal with a number of issues. Said
Mears, Theres a dirt road (that surrounds Berlin Pond), homes, some homes
have old septic systems. People walk their
dogs on the road around the pond. The system in Montpelier has the capability to remove all that. He also noted that the Department of Environmental Conservation has
restricted gasoline motorboats and gasoline-fueled augurs.
Then Mears went on to another major point, saying, We have an obligation for people to
turn on their taps and their water is drinkable. Having made that determination, we have
an obligation that the states waters are available for fishing and swimming.
To the claim that boating and swimming degrades water, Mears responded, I dont agree
with that. The whole point of the (federal) Clean Water Act is to protect the water FOR
those uses.

Thank you for supporting The Bridge!

PAG E 8 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Teams to Compete in Film


Slam Competition
by John OBrien

ave you ever made a seven minute video? I suspect many readers can respond in
the affirmative to this question. Its not all that difficult to record your cat for
seven minutes. Or to shoot your child in the chorus at a school concert. Or to
film, with your iPhone, a friend dancing to Video Killed the Radio Star.

Photo Courtesy of Green Mountain Film Festival

Have you ever made a seven minute video in 48 hours? Again, if you answered yes to
the first question, I would bet that you made your short film in less than two days, mostly
likely in about seven minutes. Ive never done an exhaustive study of it, but I would guess
that most videos on YouTube or Vimeo are done in a single take, or at the very least edited
in the camera meaning that the filmmaker shot the video sequentially without loading the footage into an editing program and selecting the best material.
These shorts go something like this: First shot my cat eating Friskies. Second shot
my cat licking its paw and then using the wet paw to wash its head; my cat doing
yoga, or maybe hes just stretching. Last shot my cat sleeping on my laptop keyboard.
GRRRRR! My seven minute cat film took me 17 minutes to make. Maybe I didnt need
four whole minutes of him eating, but its too late to trim it now Ive already posted
it on Facebook. Admittedly, the story wasnt really planned out; the actor was indifferent; the cinematography is shaky too much coffee for the director of photography; the
audio is full of the directors unheeded suggestions.
Once your cat video is in distribution its been liked and shared on social media
and youre thinking a seven minute short film is a piece of cake, maybe you should try
a film slam. Youre in for an education.
On Friday, March 20, at 6 p.m., seven teams of five members each will assemble at the
Green Mountain Film Festival box office. Shortly after 7 p.m., the teams will race out
into the night, assignments in hand. In the next 48 hours, each team will write, shoot,
and edit a short film that must come in under seven minutes and be screened before a
packed house on Sunday, at 7 p.m., in the Pavilion auditorium.
Ive judged film slams before but Ive never been part of a participating team. This year
Im the film slam coordinator, which means I get to be the human information booth for
the seven teams while theyre making their short films, and then I host the grand finale.
As already discussed, it takes a cell phone and no special talent to make a seven minute
video. However, to make a really good seven minute video, whether its comedy or drama,
takes talent, collaboration and most likely, experience. To make a really good seven minute video in 48 hours requires pulling an all-nighter or two. Sleep deprivation is not the
friend of talent or collaboration.
As Yogi Berra might say, Theres no better experience than having done it before. Some
of this years teams have done many slams, not just the GMFF. This years rookies include two high school teams from Randolph Technical Career Center and a gang from
Middlebury College.
To guard against teams arriving with ready-to-shoot screenplays, or already-shot elements, the GMFF Slam Committee has added a twist or two. First of all, you must pick
a genre out of a hat and make your short film in that genre. If you picked it, youve got
to make a Musical, or maybe a Western. Your love of fake blood and squibs may be
tested when you select Family. Second, every film must include three prompts: a specific Montpelier location, a Montpelier-centric prop, and a line of dialogue. For example,
last year, the location was the blinking light at Elm and School; the prop was a parking
ticket; the line was, you have to go out the back. One of the pleasures in watching the
final films is to keep an eye out for the prompts and the creative ways they are incorporated into the stories.
Of course, sometimes those creative types get carried away. One year, the location was
the closed-for-the-season Dairy Creme on Route 2. Mid-Slam, the owner called the box
office and asked if the people with a camera on the roof of his business had anything to
do with the festival.
OK, lets say you and your team have completed a wickedly clever or a beautifully
heartfelt short in the allotted time. Is your short better than the six other shorts? The
48-Hour Film Slam is a competition. Three industry professionals judge the final results. Thanks to the generosity of the Doran
Family Foundation and Montpelier Alive,
the winning team walks away with $2,000.
Second place is $750; third is $500. With real
money at stake, and the rush that comes from
showing something to an audience for the
first time, not to mention a collective apprehension of last minute technical failure, there
is a buzz in the room that makes the Pavilion
feel like the Barre Aud at tournament time.
Who will win the evenings top prize? I dont
know, but I have a hunch. Filmmaking is storytelling. Whoever tells the best story is the
favorite in my mind. Filmmakers have a lot of
tools at their disposal to help with their storytelling: Writing; photography; sound; editing; art direction and set design; costuming
and makeup; and most importantly, acting.
The next time I make a cat video, Im going
to cast my dog I only want to work with
actors who take direction.

Photo Courtesy of Green Mountain Film Festival

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 9

T H E B R I D G E

Films Abound at the Green Mountain Film Festival


by Dahria Messina
MONTPELIER Spring is upon us and
so is the event of the year! Every March the
Green Mountain Film Festival takes over
the town, as for a few days the community
is brought together by a diverse selection of
some of the greatest films recently produced.
The festivals tagline, The world comes
to you, embodies the general idea of the
event. Movies of all kinds from around the
world are brought right to this town for the
enjoyment and education of the community
and visitors alike. As Rachelle Murphy, the
executive director of the festival, said, Its
a great way to explore the town and for
everyone who does live here its just a nice
break from the winter blues.

and special guests including the 1965 Disney


production, Those Calloways, which was
shot here in Vermont. George Woodard and
Steve Bissette (both Green Mountain Film
Festival veterans) are coming to talk about
the film. She also spoke with enthusiasm
about an appearance by actors and filmmakers Rob Benedict and Richard Speight
Jr. Richards America 101 and Robs The
Sidekick will be shown during the festival.
They too will conduct a question and answer
session after the screening of their films.
In addition to screenings, special guests, and
Q&As, the 48-Hour Film Slam will take
place over the weekend, where high school students can show off their skills and passions
by creating short films in just 48 hours and entering them into the competition. That
is going to be very exciting, to see the culmination of 48 hours of trying to make a short
film, said Murphy.

Photo Courtesy of Green Mountain Film Festival

Montpelier also hosts a number of special guests during the festival. This years list includes such notable names as Gren Wells (writer and director of the 2014 film The Road
Within which will be screened on opening night), Lisa Leeman (co director of Awake:
The Life of Yogananda and Vermont College of Fine Arts faculty member), and Lukas
Huffman (whose directorial debut When the Ocean Met the Sky will be playing).
There will even be a Q&A with Oscar-winning editors (The Hurt Locker) Chris Innis
and Bob Murawski following the screening of the recently-remastered 1968 film, The
Swimmer. These filmmakers, along with many others, will be doing question and answer
sessions in addition to having their films screened, and there will even be a few interviews
via Skype with some filmmakers who are too far away to make it to Montpelier.
When asked what films and events she is excited for, Murphy listed a number of films

This years Green Mountain Film Festival has a lot to offer for anyone with any interest
in movies. We just want to showcase the best films that are out there, said Murphy,
which I think we did this year. Theres something for everyone. The variety of films and
events this year is expected to provide an inspiring cultural experience, and will certainly
keep everyone busy. Theres almost something every day for people to come and learn
more about or talk to filmmakers, so its really exciting! Murphy concluded. March 20
marks the beginning of this years festival, and it sounds like its going to be a good one.
For more information, visit www.gmffestival.org.

Montpelier High and East Montpelier Elementary


Principals Moving On
by Carla Occaso

popular principal will be sorely missed at Montpelier High School. Principal


Adam Bunting confirmed rumors that had reached The Bridge about his departure. Wrote Bunting by email, Sadly, it is true. I will miss so much about the
school and community I have fallen in love with! The temptation to return home however, is too hard for me to turn down Bunting lives in Chittenden County.
Sadness over the transition is felt on the school board as well. It is a huge loss for Montpelier because he has had a transformative effect, said Lowell Vanderlip, school board
treasurer when contacted by phone March 18. Although Vanderlip had not heard of
Buntings departure directly from Bunting, he had heard rumors as well, Vanderlip said.
You can clearly see the impact he has had on the school environment in the positive
attitude kids have had toward school. It is hard to put into words. Vanderlip praised
Bunting for using brain-based learning theory, such as by having recess scheduled into
the day. He also said how impressed he was that Bunting taught classes along with being
principal. He has shown a genuine interest in learning and in not leaving the teaching
part behind, Vanderlip said of Bunting. He speaks from the heart. Bunting has been
at Montpelier High School for the past three years.
Another school suffering the loss of its principal is East Montpelier Elementary School.
Marion Anastasia is leaving her post to become a superintendent in New Hampshire.

I have been offered a superintendents position at White Mountains Regional School


District for the 2015-2016 school year. This has been a long-term professional goal for
me, states Anastasia in a letter to the East Montpelier school board March 16. She sent
that letter of resignation along with a note to all East Montpelier Elementary School
parents stating her resignation is effective June 30, 2015. I love my job and everyone at
EMES, she wrote.
School board chairman Rubin Bennett emailed his response: It is with mixed emotions
that the board received Marions resignation in Mondays (March 16) meeting. We
deeply appreciate her leadership and contributions to the East Montpelier Elementary
School learning community during her tenure here, and she will be missed. But we also
recognize that highly effective and motivated leaders sometimes are presented with great
opportunities, and we wish her all the best in her new position.
According to the East Montpelier Elementary website, Marion Anastasia has been a
Vermont educator for the past 29 years. She has served as a special education teacher and
director, reading recovery teacher, associate principal, and principal at St. Johnsburys
Prek-8 school for 7 years.
Calling all principal candidates! You have tough acts to follow.

PAG E 10 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Police Beat
Excerpts from Montpelier Police Department Media Report
March 28
A report came in of someone dumping garbage in their dumpster on St. Paul Street.
Police assisted a motorist with a flat tire on River Street.
A distraught female was reported to be crying inside of The Mad Taco on Main Street.
Montpelier police helped state game wardens with a report of an injured deer in the
area of Isabel Circle.
Police reported to a two-vehicle crash on Berlin Street
The burglary alarm was activated at Agway on East Montpelier Road.
The winter parking ban was enforced with tickets only.
Someone violated his or her conditions of release.
Three male subjects loitered on a fire escape on State Street.
A despondent subject under the influence of alcohol was taken into custody (found to
be on conditions of release) from Langdon Street.
Someone reported a sexual assault at a Langdon Street location.
A wallet was found near the post office on State Street.
Two vehicles crashed on River Street.
There was a report of a car alarm, going off for an extended period of time at the Pitkin
Court parking lot.
A vehicle went the reverse direction on Stone Cutters Way.
Someone reported a vehicle being hit at the Hunger Mountain Co-op
A juvenile problem was reported on Clarendon Avenue
An intoxicated male was picked up from Main Street and placed into protective custody.
Threats and harassment were reported on Barre Street.
DPW responded to a report of frozen pipes.
A suspicious person was reported to be on Terrace Street.
The owner of a wallet found at the Capitol Plaza parking lot was contacted.
A loose dog was found in Green Mountain Cemetery. The dog was returned to its
owner.
Someone turned in a black wallet with numerous credit cards.
A single silver key was found in back of City Hall on the ground.
A burglary alarm went off at Montpelier High Schools media center.
Someone requested help with a vehicle stuck in a snow bank on Pleasant Street.
All was quiet when officers responded to a report of loud music on Greenwood Terrace.
The officer on patrol observed an unattended vehicle with its rear hatch open on Elm
Street, but no one was around.
March 9-15
A report came in of a male doubled over by the side of the road at the intersection of
Berlin and Phelps streets.
Someone reported a two-car motor vehicle crash at the roundabout of U.S. Route 2
and U.S. Route 302.
Police responded to a burglary alarm on River Street.
Teenagers were hanging out on the loading dock at City Center on Main Street.
The Department of Public Works was called out for a water problem on Scribner Street.
A license plate was stolen off of a vehicle on School Street.
An owner reported their dog missing from their residence on North Street. The animal
later returned home.
A suspicious person was reportedly on State Street.
A disabled motor vehicle was located at the intersection of Berlin Street and Granite
Street.
Report of possible underage drinking party came in. Police deemed it to be unfounded.
Police identified the owner of a missing smart phone found outside the Montpelier
Police Station. It was returned.

Featured Photos

Photo by Carla Occaso


Montpelier Police Department assisted the fire department with traffic control on Dog
River Road for a structure fire.
A vehicle was booted for unpaid parking tickets in the Blanchard Court parking lot.
Someone reported a possible underage drinking party.
A search warrant was conducted on Park Avenue.
Police received a report of a male urinating on the side of a building on State Street.
A Montpelier police officer was assigned for traffic hearings at traffic court in Barre
City.
Someone drove off without paying for gas on Berlin Street.
Police received a trash complaint on Barre Street.
An officer was assigned to the Everybody Wins reading program at Union Elementary
School.
A group of individuals broke into the parking garage ticket booth on Main Street.
A Samsung phone was turned into the police by a librarian at the Kellogg Hubbard
Library.
Two females were fighting in the roadway at the intersection of Berlin Street and
Northfield Street in Montpelier.
Snow fell from a building roof and onto the sidewalk at Stone Cutters Way.
A male and a female were yelling in an apartment on Barre Street.
A wallet was found on Lower State Street near the Green Mountain Cemetery.
The winter parking ban was enforced.
A dog was barking on Charles Street.
Someone asked a police officer for advice about dealing with custody issues with her
soon-to-be ex-husband.
Someone complained that two dogs were in a car on Barre Street.
A suspicious male was reported to be looking into the windows of homes on Winter
Street.
Report came in of a male crying on and off all day at an apartment building on Baldwin
Street.
DPW was called out regarding a plugged sewer drain near 48 Liberty Street.
Police responded to custodial interference on Park Avenue in a child custody issue reported between ex-husband and wife.
A suspicious-acting female paced back and forth in front of a residence on Pearl Street.
A complainant advised that the female appeared to be in distress.
Police received a dog complaint that took place in Hubbard Park.

Sunlight peeks through leaves dancing in the breeze, lakes flow freely unhindered by frigid ice,
shade becomes a welcome treat of respite. Spring IS coming.
Photos by Daniel A. Neary, Jr.

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 11

T H E B R I D G E

Loss of Sponsorship Prompts


Green Up Day Organizers to
Seek New Revenue
by Carla Occaso

ou can now support Green Up Day a spring day set aside for volunteers to
clean up the state by checking a box on your tax return. Prior to this year,
people could fund presidential campaigns, veterans and nongame wildlife via
tax returns. But, thanks to the hard work of Melinda Vieux, president of the nonprofit
organization Green Up Vermont, every taxpayer can also donate to Green Up Day on
their tax form. Vieux decided to get her organization on the tax form when some of the
bigger corporate sponsors, such as Ben & Jerrys Homemade Inc., dropped the cause in
recent years, Vieux said. This loss has threatened Green Up Days survival. Obtaining
tax return donations of any amount is critical to the success of Green Up Day, she said.
There are many great Vermont organizations and causes that Vermonters can donate to
when filing their taxes, said Gov. Peter Shumlin in a press conference March 12. Im
pleased that Green Up Vermont has been added to that list. For those who are able, I
hope youll consider donating to one of these great causes.
Green Up Day started in 1970 by Gov. Deane Davis along with Burlington Free Press
reporter Robert Babcock, according to the website greenup@greenupvermont.org.
Green Up's mission is to promote the stewardship of our state's natural landscape and
waterways and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day
and raising public awareness about the benefits of a litter-free environment, according
to the website.
Corporate sponsors include Subaru of New England, Casella Waste Management, Green
Mountain Power, Vermont State Employees Credit Union, National Life, Cooperative
Insurance Companies, 802 Creative Partners and WCAX.
Donations can also be made directly at any time online at www.greenupvermont.org or
by sending a check to Green Up Vermont, P.O. Box 1191, Montpelier, VT 05601-1191.
Donations are tax deductible whether made directly or through the state income tax
return.

Got a news tip? We want to know!


Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com

Nature Watch
by Nona Estrin

Creatures Come Out For a


Breath of Spring Air?

oday the snow finally collapsed


sufficiently to hold a skier and
out I went, visiting places I
haven't been able to get to all winter.
Tracks on a big field led me to a freshly
dug-out skunk den, the dirt and snow
plug lying next to it. Further on, in a
hedgerow, a coyote track led to another
open den. I looked from a distance
and moved on. Most intriguing were
the small vole holes, newly cleared and
opened. Had they come out for a breath
of spring air? To attend to courtship?
Or were these ventilation shafts? I may
never know, but what price an hour of
daydreaming on skis, the sun blazing?

Watercolor by Nona Estrin

PAG E 12 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Granite City Groove Downtown Barre Heating Up


with Business and Cultural Activity
by Joshua Jerome

BARRE The sap is running, the birds are out, vitamin D levels are increasing and
with every passing day the melting snow reveals our four-legged friends travel patterns
throughout this past winter. Spring is right around the corner and downtown Barre is
starting to heat up already. The newly opened Positive Pie has been received by the community with much excitement. The space is inviting with high ceilings and a wide open
floor plan. As with the other P-Pie locations, the food is prepared with care and with
quality ingredients. And if you have to wait for a table, a unique lounge area provides a
comfortable space for conversation and gazing throughout the restaurant.
Ellie & Shirls Simply Delicious along with Bag Ladies Caf have moved out of the
historic Tinsley Place in Depot Square and into the Blanchard Block. The new space
incorporates delicious sweet confections, value added products, a deli shop and wine bar.
The new space is impressive with original tin ceilings and columns with expansive large
windows overlooking City Hall Park. The whole building has been renovated to keep its

historic elements while taking advantage of current technology such as LED lighting and
placement that highlight the restored architectural features.
Several other businesses have moved in to the restored Blanchard Block as well. Denise
Palmer from Ameriprise Financial has moved her office from the Barre-Montpelier Road
while Dr. Yorra from Central Vermont Medical Center has moved his practice from his
longtime Keith Avenue location.
The Central Vermont Community Land Trust is weeks away from starting its $9 million
renovation project that will create a mix of affordable housing units to make up for units
lost in the City Place redevelopment. There are also plans to create green space in the
downtown that will provide additional pedestrian enhancements. And of course, Granite
City Grocery, the startup coop grocery store, continues to grow its member owners and
is planning on a site selection sometime in 2015.
Meanwhile, the Vermont Granite Museum is preparing for some tremendous growth
this year. The northern gateway to Barre, the museum is a 25,000-square-foot timber
framed behemoth of a structure that was the largest manufacturing shed when built in
1895. Their collection of machinery, history and stories of the granite industry continues to grow while offering several unique working spaces for stone artists. The interior
of the museum will be enhanced with a catering kitchen and conference room allowing
the museum to provide expanded event services such as conferences, meetings, musical
performances and even weddings.
In addition, exterior enhancements to the surrounding 12 acres will help set the stage for
the full ecological plan. The location will include walking paths along the North Stevens
Branch with granite sculptures and viewing areas that will all connect to the main granite
courtyard and restored bocce ball court. The museum complex is a wonderful example
of community vision, revitalization and economic development. Once completed, the
granite park and accompanying museum will play an integral role in furthering the Barre
Gray legacy as the granite center of the world while at the same time providing central
Vermonters with a space for relaxation and admiration of the stone arts.
The Barre Farmers Market already enjoys its Saturday event at the museum, but will be
adding Wednesday to the schedule. The mid-week farmers market helps to complement
the Barre Summer Concert Series at Currier Park put on by the Barre Partnership and
the Authors at Aldrich Library series. The popular Rockfire event, named one of Vermonts top 10 summer events by the Chamber of Commerce, will expand to include an
additional evening at the museum that will highlight the historical significance of the
granite industry.
Downtown Barre is poised to have yet again another transformative and exciting year.
Joshua Jerome is the executive director of the Barre Partnership

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601


Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
Calendar Editor, Design & Layout:
Marichel Vaught
Copy Editing Consultant:
Larry Floersch
Proofreader: David W. Smith
Sales Representatives: Michael Jermyn,
Rick McMahan
Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair,
Diana Koliander-Hart, Daniel Renfro
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Location: The Bridge office is located at
the Vermont College of Fine Arts,
on the lower level of Schulmaier Hall.
Subscriptions: You can receive The
Bridge by mail for $50 a year. Make
out your check to The Bridge, and mail
to The Bridge, PO Box 1143,
Montpelier VT 05601.
Published every 1st and 3rd Thursday
of the month, except in July when we
publish the 3rd Thursday only.
montpelierbridge.com
facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
Copyright 2015 by The Bridge

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 13

T H E B R I D G E

Philamenas: In Pictures
Photos by Carla Occaso
Philamena's staff from left: Elizabeth Deringer, Todd Whitehead (owner)
and Liza Mackey

Fresh pasta and breads, and their gluten-free counterparts, are made onsite. All meatballs are prepared with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Shown here is gluten-free pasta


with pesto topped with meatballs
and freshy grated Parmesan
cheese.

Spinach salad with chevre, onion,


tomato, toasted pine nuts and a
drizzle of balsamic.
No time to eat in? Philamena's also sells
its pasta and sauces to go. Shown here are
tomato, pesto and vodka sauces.

Philamena's is located at 41 Elm St. in


Montpelier. Hours are 6 a.m.2 p.m.,
Mon.Fri.

Recycle
This Paper!

PAG E 14 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

After 35 Years in Business, What Makes


NECI Tick?

Interview with Richard Flies, acting president, and Jean Louis Gerin,
chief operating officer
by Nat Frothingham and Carla Occaso

Frothingham: What distinguishes you


from among the six higher learning institutions in Washington County, including
YesterMorrow, Goddard College, Norwich
University, Community College of Vermont and the Vermont College of Fine
Arts?
Flies: We are focused on hospitality and
have been since the beginning. Most of
these schools offer multiple degrees. We
have three degrees: Baking and pastry, culinary arts and hospitality/business management. The second thing is that there
is nothing else like this in Vermont. It is
not an easy place to run a college as you
are probably finding out from these other
schools. We have a small population. A
school in a city would be able to attract a
lot more students.
Gerin: I am just here two-and-a-half years,
but I am a NECI customer since they
opened. I opened my restaurant in Connecticut in 1983, and always had NECI
students in my kitchen. What makes NECI
unique is the model. Six months on campus
and six months in a kitchen anywhere in the
world and then back here for six months.
We cant face the demand for NECI graduates. It is incredible the amount of job
offers that our students get. Although it is
35 years old, the school is still incredibly
modern. There is still not one school
not only in Vermont, but in New England
that has this model. Six months, six
months; six months. It is unique.
Frothingham: I need you to break that
down for me. What six months where?
Gerin: OK. The students are six months
with us in Montpelier. And they go on an
internship anywhere in the world.
Occaso: What is an example? What is one
popular place they go?
Gerin: Students are targeting the upper
crust of the luxury side of the hospitality
industry. They are looking at the Four
Seasons, the Ritz, at two- or three-star
Michelin, five-star New York Times and
Los Angeles Times. They go to New York
City, Los Angeles, Boston, Minneapolis,
Florida.
Frothingham: Then what? By then they
know it all?
Gerin: They come back to campus. At this
point they think they know it all, which
makes our lives easier because when they
come back they are curious. The first six
months on campus, we tell them how
does it work. How does a steak cook? How
does a potato cook? And then they go on
internship and they come back and they
say, But, why? Why does it cook like that

and not the other way? Why do we want to


do a steak on a barbecue and not in a pot
of water? It is exciting for us to have them
back here.
Frothingham: What do they do the last
six months.
Flies: The last six months is usually a job
offer. Even though we call it an internship,
90 percent of the interns that go on to that
last internship are being tried out to stay
there.
Frothingham: Are they still paying tuition?
Flies: Yes. Any time they are off-campus on
internship, they are still on our roles taking
classes. They are still a student here while
they are in other states working. They get
paid.
Frothingham: How rigorous is it?
Flies: We graduate about 63 percent of
those who start here. It is on par with other
colleges. It is a commitment. If a student
misses a class, they have to make it up. You
either do it, or you have to repeat it. You
have to keep repeating it until the chef says,
that is the right technique. Some students
cant take that. You cant go out drinking
every night and be in the kitchen the next
day and pass a standard.
Gerin: Eighty percent of what our students
are producing goes to the public. So they
are responsible to somebody. If I make a
sauce for you, it is not a test. You are going
to eat it. Students are like, This is real.
Flies: That is the thing about NECI, we
are live. We dont do laboratory cooking.
Everything we cook goes out to someone.
We pass out health inspections at the highest levels. Our chef faculty have to pass a
sanitation with at least a 90 to be in our
senior core faculty where 70 is acceptable
to the state.
Frothingham: What about the debt after
high school? Is it a problem, or do we need
to put it into perspective?
Flies: It is a problem and we do need to put
it in perspective. Students average about
$26,000 in debt that theyve got to carry
forward. One of the things that helps put
in perspective to me is our payback ratio.
We have a very low default rate, between 9
and 11 percent. I attribute that to the work
ethic that NECI provides.
Frothingham: I would think just a small
slice of your students come from Vermont.
Flies: 80 percent come from out-of-state
and 20 percent from Vermont.
Occaso (to Gerin): Where are you from?
Gerin: The Alps. From the French side.

Occaso: What brought you here?


Gerin: I was working for Guy Savoy (a restaurant group based in France). We decided
to open a branch in America.
Frothingham: You fell in love with New
England and Vermont. Tell me about that.

Chef Jean Louis Gerin and Richard Flies

Gerin: I fell in love with the opportunity.


In America you have the right to be successful and the right to work as much as you
want. The opportunities I had in America
would never happen in France. America is
an amazing country if you really want to
work.
Frothingham (to Flies): What about you?
What brought you here?
Flies: I graduated from University of Wisconsin. I opened (my career) at Spaulding
High School and started teaching there. I
was then principal of Randolph Vocational
School, and then I went to the Essex Technical Center, Vermont Technical College
and then here. This is my 50th year in
central Vermont education.
Frothingham: What are your challenges?
Flies: We are dealing with financial challenges, the number of students available to
go to school. Some parents are still not over
the recession, not wanting to pay the kinds
of money that they have to pay. With an
owner that is not well, what is the transition plan? What is the succession plan?

A pastry class in the LaBrioche kitchen

Frothingham (to Gerin): Do you see students who, like you, are not afraid of work
and opportunity?
Gerin: Yes. We see that a lot of young
people are very talented and eager to succeed. They get the magic of our profession
on the Internet and on television, but when
they want to be serious, they come to an
institution like us to get the fundamentals,
because the theatrical part of food is just
trends, and show people realize that a trend
is a trend, but the foundation will be the
same.
Occaso: Being a TV chef and being a superstar is a trend, as you say, why do you
think cooking has become so popular?
Gerin: First of all, it is very creative and
very artistic. It touches people. Any kind of
artist wants to touch people and food is an
art that is going to make people feel good,
or feel bad, but it is really touching people.
The act of cooking is an act of love and
people get that. Cooking is really a gift .
Flies: The food evolution in Vermont really
has been driven by NECI and the hundreds
of students who stay and open restaurants.

Fran Voigt

The Founding of NECI

New England Culinary was founded 35 years a


Fran and Ellen Voigt and John Drano and his wife
first teaching chef was Michel Labourne. Fran V
the current president, is on medical leave. Accord
Acting President Richard Flies, Fran still plays a
tive advising role and is in close touch with both
and Jean Louis Gerin. In Voigts absence, Flies
Jean Louis and I are running the college right
We split up the different pieces of it and Fran i
out on medical. We are planning a retirement thin
him toward graduation. He is doing well, thoug
make a good team.

ago by
e. The
Voigt,
ing to
an ach Flies
s said,
t now.
is still
ng for
h. We

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 15

T H E B R I D G E

Interview with Alumnus Paul Winston


by The Bridge staff
The Bridge: Tell us about yourself
Winston: I am originally from Richmond,
Virginia, but have lived in Vermont on and
off for the past decade. I graduated from
NECI's Culinary Arts Program in '09 at
the Essex campus. I have been in the industry for about 10 years.
The Bridge: What is your current profession?
Winston: I am currently the sous chef at
Bluebird Tavern in Burlington. I was the
chef at Trattoria Delia in Burlington and
the sous chef at Acacia Midtown in Richmond, Virginia, prior to that.
The Bridge: Do you think your experience
at NECI helped you get your current job?
Winston: NECI was a solid building block
for me that has definitely helped me along
the way. I went into the program with
very little kitchen experience, which created this "blank canvas" for me to build
upon. NECI taught me a lot about the

importance of professionalism, organization and the culinary skills to excel at my


current job.

had never seen or heard of before. All the


instructors were dedicated to their professions of chefs and teachers.

The Bridge: How did you learn about


NECI?

The Bridge: What is your favorite part


about the program?

Winston: I believe I found it on the Internet. I was taking some time off from UVM
(majoring in business administration) and
I began baking bread for fun. That's when
I decided to look into culinary schools.
NECI's style of teaching and location were
ultimately what led me to apply.

Winston: The small classes. It made me


feel more important, rather than a number
is a huge classroom as I experienced at
UVM. The intimacy kept me more motivated to excel in the program.

The Bridge: Tell us a bit about the program?

Winston: A teacher and leader. I believe this is the result of the small classes
and hands-on approach to the academics.
When I see resumes with a NECI graduate
on them, I am a lot more prone to follow
up with those individuals because I know
what they have been through and know
that NECI does a great job of teaching
professionalism, a hard work ethic and
knowledge of the culinary field.

Winston: The culinary arts program was


very hands-on and visual. The fundamentals of cooking were taught right from the
beginning and right in the kitchen. It was
a program of learning by doing, which is
exactly how my learning style is. It was a
nice array of classes that introduced me to a lot of techniques and ingredients I

The Bridge: What is the average NECI


student like?

Photo courtesy of NECI


Location: Montpelier, Vermont
Format: Six months on campus, six months at an internship working in a professional
kitchen, six months back on campus and six months away on another internship.
Academic programs: Culinary Arts; Baking and Pastry; and Food and Beverage Business Management.
Tuition: Ranges from $13,790 for a certificate prorgam to $113,560 for a bachelor's
degree
Teaching Kitchens: NECI on Main, Chef s Table, La Brioche, Vermont College of Fine
Arts Dewey Caf and National Life Cafeteria.
Financial Aid: Toll-free 877-223-6324 or email financialaid@neci.edu. Federal and state
grants and loans. NECI and other merit-based scholarships.
Accreditation: The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Certified by the Vermont Board of Education as a bona fide institution of higher learning
and holds a Certificate of Degree Granting Authority from the Vermont Department
of Education.
Enrollment: About 361 full-time and 156 part-time students
Diversity: Students come from around the world. About 290 male and 227 female.
Mission: The mission of New England Culinary Institute is to be the recognized leader
in delivering hands-on, standards-based education for the food and beverage industry.

New England Culinary Institute is dedicated to providing a high quality, studentcentered, and career-focused education, which is grounded in culinary arts, baking and
pastry arts, and food and beverage business management. By actively participating in
NECI's reality-based curriculum, engaging with working food and beverage operations,
and completing extensive internships, students are prepared for professional advancement in a dynamic world. Through NECIs varied learning methodologies, students
develop a broad range of skills and the flexibility that will help them adapt to the diverse
opportunities in a quickly-evolving food and beverage industry. Toward that end, NECI
embraces four Cornerstones of Distinction: small classes that promote active learning;
strong reliance on learning by doing and real-life experience; an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning that supports NECIs concept of the educated person; and a focus on
promoting excellence in professional conduct and ethics.
Values: Commitment, positive attitude, teamwork, dedication, flexibility, integrity,
loyalty, passion for NECI, and service excellence.
Housing: Dormitories and houses and apartments in the community.
History: Since 1980 NECI has grown from seven students to about 500 per year.
Little known fact: Both the culinary arts and baking and pastry programs include two
700-hour internships with partners all over the world.
Admissions contact: admissions@neci.edu

PAG E 16 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Montpelier is Grateful
for Yoga
by Ashley Witzenberger

Photo by Anthony Pagani

ontpelier is home to several yoga studios, all with diverse offerings. New
business owner and local resident Chrissy Lafavour opened Grateful Yoga
on Oct. 1, 2014, and it has quickly grown into a favorite space in downtown
Montpelier. Lafavour graduated from the University of Vermont in 2011, finished her
yoga teacher training in 2012 and has been teaching yoga ever since. Lafavour was solo
when she opened, and in April, she will employ five additional instructors, allowing her
to continue to expand her class schedule.
What sets Grateful Yoga apart? It is the only Ashtanga studio in Montpelier. Ashtanga
Yoga is a method that involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of
postures, and thereby detoxifies muscles and organs. The results are improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. Lafavour opened the studio to create a
welcoming, safe space for daily practice. She encourages students to work hard while
having fun; We laugh a lot, says Lafavour. The classes welcome students of all levels
of skill and experience. The studio mantra is "Be great. Live full."
Beginning in April, Grateful Yoga will offer a 200-hour teacher training program for
those who would like to become certified yoga teachers. The training will bring people
to her downtown studio two weekends a month. Admission is rolling (until full), and
participants can complete the training at their own pace. Lafavour says she decided to
facilitate the training because of the number of requests she received for local training,
and there is no other such opportunity in central Vermont. People of all ages jumped to
sign up, and includes those who are already yogis and health care professionals. These
students are interested in bringing yoga to their workplace, school system, or their own
businesses. The training is registered with Yoga Alliance, a group working to promote
and support the integrity and diversity of the teaching of yoga.
For the rest of us who take yoga as a form of exercise and a way to de-stress, Grateful
Yoga offers a diverse class schedule as well as interesting special events and monthly
workshops, such as tea tastings, a shamanic journey and a very popular restorative
workshop. People of all ages are encouraged to try yoga; Grateful Yoga offers kids yoga
classes on Sundays and Mondays for ages 3-12. Each Sunday, students enjoy a community class, Community Ashtanga, from 5:40 to 7 p.m. The class is by donation and
all are welcome. Starting next month, Grateful Yoga will offer Mysore yoga; Mysore is
the place in India where Ashtanga yoga emerged. It is a two-hour class in which each
student creates his or her own experience by attending for the amount of time desired
and by participating in diverse ways. It is a departure from the practice to which most
of us are accustomed, where all students arrive at the same time and do the same poses
until the end of the class. Mysore yoga is, however, a traditional practice in India.
Lafavours students speak with enthusiasm about why they love coming to her studio.
Chrissy makes yoga a sacred practice, an everyday practice and very doable. You look
forward to the joy, exercise, and focus that Chrissy brings, says Barbara Korecki. There
is a core group that attends daily classes, and some who come as often as five times a
week. They say they really miss coming to the studio on their off days.
The respect is mutual. Lafavour is always thinking of different way to serve her students
and says she is all about the students and it shows.
Lafavour is already an active member of the business community, attending monthly
Montpelier Business Association meetings, and, as a new member of Montpelier Alive,
she offers great ideas and brings new friends with her.
For more details about the training program, workshops, events, and class schedule,
visit http://www.gratefulyogavt.com/ or stop by the charming studio in downtown
Montpelier at 15 State St. on the third floor. We also suggest checking out the Grateful
Yoga Facebook page for inspiring and beautiful videos and photos.
The writer is the executive director of Montpelier Alive

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 17

T H E B R I D G E

Does Poetry Matter?

Five Poets Wrestle With this Auden-Inspired Question.


by Nat Frothingham
MONTPELIER PoemCity 2015, a month-long celebration of poetry, will kick off April 1 at 7:30 p.m., with a Farmers Night appearance by poet Major Jackson at the State
House. Five Vermont poets explored the meaning of a single line from a W.H. Auden poem written shortly after he learned of the death of Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Audens
poem, In Memory of W.B. Yeats, is a tribute and a meditation on whether poetry matters and whether it mattered in 1939 when Hitlers armies were massing and marching. A
single line from Audens poem strikes with surprising force: For poetry makes nothing happen.
Here is the stanza from In Memory of W.B. Yeats:
You were silly like us; your gift survived it all:
The parish of rich women, physical decay,
Yourself. Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry
Now Ireland has her madness and her weather still,
For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives
In the valley of its making where executives
Would never want to tamper, flows on south
From ranches of isolation and the busy griefs,
Raw towns that we believe and die in; it survives,
A way of happening, a mouth.
The five poets who shared reactions to Audens line appear below.

Mary Elder Jacobsen, North Calais

Reacting to Audens astonishing line, poet Lisa Mase said,


Its an interesting line. Maybe that line comes out of that
hateful period.
Why are you a poet, Mase asked, if poetry makes
nothing happen? From her own experience as a poet she
said, Poetry shines a light on universal themes that do
inspire change, that do make people grow. And yet she
acknowledged Audens defeatism. Mase said Auden is
exploring what she called The painful beauty of human
contradiction.

years. And after Marlboro he was a visiting professor at the


University of Vermont and did a number of other things
and didnt get back into writing poetry seriously until he
retired. I dont have a large number of poems, he said.
Poetry means a great deal to a small number of people,
Bramble said. I am exploring my felt experience. I am
mining my experience in pursuit of meaning.

Lee Bramble, pen name of Tom Ragle

As Mase shares her poetry with other poets, they often


say to each other Why are we even doing this? And
she answers that question, At the end of the day (poetry)
nourishes us. Even though it doesnt nourish anyone else,
it nourishes us.

Elizabeth Robechek, Montpelier


Photo by Debbie McFadden Elder
Auden said that poetry makes nothing happen. But poet
Mary Jacobsen noted that Auden also draws attention to
the power of poetry to survive expressed in Audens line,
Your gift survives it all. Said Jacobsen, It survives in
the midst of everything that happen madness, grief,
weather.
The poems live on, Jacobsen said. Poetry doesnt fix
anything. The poems dont change anything.
Then Jacobsen talked about two instances where she had
been able to read one of her own poems when people were
getting married. I discussed the idea of writing a poem.
At the reception, Jacobsen said to herself, Yes, Im going
to read this for them. When people were standing up and
giving toasts, Jacobsen told a friend that she had written a
poem. But she hesitated. Her friend said, Yes, you can do
it, Mary, because you believe in poetry.
After Jacobsen read her poem, someone she didnt know
came up to her and said, Your poem made me love my
husband more. When you get a response like it tells you
that poetry matters and it has an effect on people. That
you have moved them to laughter or tears or contemplation thats what poetry does when you reach someone.

Lisa Mase, East Montpelier

Huck Gutman, Burlington

In pondering the meaning of Audens line, Elizabeth Robechek said her first reaction was to wonder if that were
true. Words, prayers, sometimes make things happen.
Words happen and things happen as a result.
Robechek said a common popular reaction to poetry is
that its an upper crust kind of thing. But she disagrees.
I think it is mainstream. I think of poems as carrying that
body of sensation around things that happen. It could
be that poetry makes everything. My profession was as a
landscape architect. As a semi-retired person, most of my
focus is on an art project that includes my drawing and art
work and poems. Two of the eight books are out already:
Removing My Seed Coat is the first. Germination
Power Surge is the second. Its the muse. The muse is
what you know.

Lee Bramble, Marlboro


He may be right, said poet Lee Bramble about Audens
categorical remark. He may be right in the everyday,
physical world. In that everyday, physical world you might
learn to milk a cow or make a better widget. What poetry
is for me, Bramble said, is felt experience as opposed to
practical experience.
I came to Vermont in 1958 to write poetry seriously
and earn a living any way I could. But I took a detour
unexpectedly, Bramble said. Bramble, (the pen name
for Tom Ragle) was president of Marlboro College for 20

About Audens line, poet Huck Gutman said, Its one


of the lines Ive thought about most of my life many,
many, times. Its written in 1939 as World War II was beginning. Theres a sense that poetry is not able to prevent
catastrophe. Gutman said Audens tribute to Yeats came
at a moment when Auden himself was struggling with
self-doubt. Auden is questioning what poetry can do in
the all-too-public world of markets, money, exploitation
and power. We live in a similar time. Poetry may make
nothing happen, Gutman said. But it flows through our
lives. It survives.
Turning to music, Gutman said, Where would we be
without music. But it makes nothing happen. Returning
to that line, Gutman said, The line you focus on is one
of the most memorable lines of the 20th century. Does
poetry matter? I do think most poets wrestle with that.

PAG E 18 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

Makers Day. Hosted by Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. Meet Vermont
makers who are applying creativity, technological
savvy and entrepreneurial energy to solve problems
and produce real value. Makers will display
projects and technologies. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Vermont
State House, Room 11, Montpelier. 223-4654.
cvedc@sover.net.
Green Mountain Care Board Public Meeting.
Vermont Health Information Technology Plan
update, creating a sustainable primary care infrastructure within Vermont: a qualitative study of
Vermonts front-line providers. 14 p.m. GMCB
Board Room, City Center Building, 89 Main St.,
2F, Montpelier. gmcboard.vermont.gov.
Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Third
Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.
Diabetes Discussion Group. Focus on selfmanagement. Open to anyone with diabetes
and their families. Third Thurs., 1:30 p.m. The
Health Center, Plainfield. Free. Don 322-6600 or
dgrabowski@the-health-center.org.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly
group for people affected by a suicide death. Third
Thurs., 67:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical
Center, conference rm. 1, Fisher Rd., Berlin. 2230924. calakel@comcast.com.afsp.org.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care provided.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier. 476-1480.
Growing Rice in Central Vermont. Sjon Welters,
of Rhapsody Natural Foods, speaks on how he
has grown rice over the past six years and learn the
details on rice cultivation from a simple bucket
to paddy-style. A Transition Town program. 6
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,

Montpelier. Free. vista@kellogghubbard.org.


Songwriters Meeting. Meeting of the Northern
VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International. Bring copies of your
work. Third Thurs., 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St.
Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.
Marshfield Historical Society Public Meeting.
Panel of long-time Marshfield residents talking
about growing up in Marshfield. Public comments
welcome. Refreshments served. 7 p.m. Marshfield
Historical Society at the Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield. 454-7767.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
March 2029: Green Mountain Film
Festival. Ten days, 61 films (including four
sneak previews) from 31 countries, as well
as six shorts programs and the much anticipated 48-hour film slam where teams compete against one another to make the best
short film on an assigned topic in two days.
Visit gmffestival.org for film descriptions,
times and venues. Tickets are available by
phone at 223-0050, online at gmffestival.
org and in person at the Festivals ticket
office located at 13 Main St., Montpelier
(across from the Savoy Theater). Tickets sell
out quickly!
Federal and State Tax Return Preparation.
AARP tax preparers will be at TVSC to prepare
federal and state tax returns at no charge. Twin
Valley Senior Center, Blueberry Commons, Rte. 2,
E. Montpelier. Free. Appointment required: 2233322. They will tell you what paperwork you need
to bring with you.
Essential Oil Distilling Demo. Open house. Distillation demos, AroMed Aromatherapy essential
oil line launch and free samples. 11:30 a.m.5:30
p.m. Grian Herbs Apothecary/Tulsi Tea Room,

THE BRIDGE

34 Elm St., Montpelier. Free. 793-6619. lauren@


aromedofvt.com. aromedofvt.com. grianherbs.
com/apothecary
38th annual Casino Night at Johnson State
College. Hollywood-themed. Wear fun formal
attire. Blackjack, roulette, poker, slots and more.
Benefits United Way of Lamoille County. 8 p.m.
midnight. Johnson State College, Stearns Student
Center, College Hill Rd., Johnson. $10 includes
food and refreshments. Cash bar available. 6351232.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Snowshoe Stowe with Green Mountain Club.


Moderate. Various distances. Stowe Pinnacle.
Snowshoe or hike, depending on conditions. Contact Steve for meeting time and place: stevecbailey@gmail.com.
Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Accepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus
building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arccadditional-recyclables-collection-center.html.
Cabot Maple Festival. Crafters, maple, music
and fun. Pancake breakfast with local maple syrup
911 a.m.; silent auction 9 a.m.2 p.m.; crafters and vendor tables 9 a.m.3 p.m.; maple and
other treats start 11:30 a.m. Entertainment in the
Cabot School Performing Arts Center featuring
The Green Mountain Playboys with Katie Trautz
and Lee Blackwell, 2:30 p.m. Sneak preview of the
Cabot Community Theatre presentation of the
New Directions Showcase, a collection of one-act
comedies, 2 p.m. Fundraiser for the Cabot Chronicle. Cabot School, Rte. 215, Cabot. 563-3338 or
595-7710. cabotmaplefest@yahoo.com.
Alla Vita Anniversary Celebration. Free food
samples all day, discounts, maple product tasting
10 a.m.noon, free wine tasting 35 p.m. Alla
Vita, 27 State St., Montpelier. 225-6526. allavitavermont.com.
Drewstrong. Benefit to raise funds for Drew
Bernier. Life-size Candy Land. For children of
all ages. 10 a.m.1 p.m. Barre Congregational
Church, 35 Church St., Barre.
Capital City Indoor Farmers Market. Featuring
over 30 farmers, food producers and craftspeople.
10 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier High School cafeteria, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier. manager@
montpelierfarmersmarket.com.capitalcityfarmersmarket.com.
Breastfeeding 101. Prenatal breastfeeding class
for pregnant moms and their partners. Ask questions, speak with a lactation consultant, learn
about community resources and meet breastfeeding moms. 10 a.m. Central Vermont Womens
Health at CVMC, 130 Fischer Rd., Berlin. Free.
371-4415 or 476-0155.
League of Women Voters Luncheon. The Vermont chapters annual spring luncheon. Keynote
speaker Peter Levine is the director of CIRCLE
(The Center for Information and Research on
Civic Learning and Engagement), author of We
Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: The
Promise of Civic Renewal in America and one of
the country's most influential civic engagement
activists. 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Best Western Hotel,
45 Blush Hill Rd., Waterbury. Free; open to the
public. Register: 899-3657 or sonjaschuyler@
gmail.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

The Wisdom to Survive: Climate Change,


Capitalism, & Community. Film features thought
leaders and activists in the realms of science,
economics and spirituality discussing how we
can evolve and take action in the face of climate
disruption. Among those featured are Bill McKibben, Joanna Macy and Ben Falk. Part of the Green
Mountain Film Festival. 8 p.m. Savoy Theater,
downstairs, 26 Main St., Montpelier. Reserve
tickets: gmffestival.org, 223-0050 or at 13 Main
St., Montpelier.

MONDAY, MARCH 23

CVHHH Foot Clinic. Nurses from Central Vermont


Home Health & Hospice clip toenails, clean nail
beds, file nails and lotion feet. 14 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $15 for 15-minute appointments. Call to set
up appointment: 223-2518.
Fraud Presentation for Seniors. Protect your
credit cards, social security and personal information from scammers. 1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior
Center, Blueberry Commons, Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. Lunch available at 12:15 p.m. for a $4

Performing
Arts
THEATER, STORYTELLING
& COMEDY
March 20: Stroke Yer Joke: Comedy Open
Mic. Comedians get five minutes of stage time
with a cap of 15 comics per show. Sign-ups 7:30
p.m.; show starts 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248
N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. espressobueno.com.
Mar. 2021: Mein Herr. TRIP Dance Company in Stowe performs its award-winning jazz
dance number Mein Herr along with other
award-winning dances. 7 p.m. Spruce Peak
Performing Arts Center, 7320 Mountain Rd.,
Stowe. Adults $25; students $20. 760-4634.
sprucepeakarts.org.
Mar. 22: No Strings Marionettes Present
The Hobbit. The Vermont masters of puppetry present J.R.R. Tolkien's tale of hobbit
Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Wizard and a band
of dwarves as they attempt to reclaim a lost
underground kingdom and its treasures. 1 p.m.
Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $6.
476-8188. barreoperahouse.org.
Mar. 26: Macbeth. Presented by Kingdom
County Productions. Performed by The Acting
Company and Guthrie Theater. 7 p.m. St.
Johnsbury Academy, Fuller Hall, St. Johnsbury.
Tickets start at $15. 888-757-5559. Kingdomcounty.org.
Mar. 28: Bueno Comedy Showcase. Monthly
comedy showcase featuring comedians from
Vermont and across the country. Lineup includes Carmen Lagala, Sam Evans, Raj Sivaramen and Justy Dodge. Hosted by Sean Hunter
Williams. 8:30 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N.
Main St., Barre. $6. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/
bueno-comedy-showcase-tickets-15501704014.
Mar. 29: The Montpelier Project: Hometown
Comedy Show. Mix of standup and musical
improv comedy. 35 p.m. The Atrium at City
Center, 89 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
Mar. 30Apr. 3: Fiddler on the Roof. A musical tour hosted by the Central Vermont High
School Initiative. By donation. 454-1053. info.
cvhsi@gmail.com.
Mar. 30: Blackbox Theater, Burlington. 7
p.m.
Mar. 31 and Apr. 1: TBA
Apr. 2: Plainfield Opera House, Rte. 2, Plain
field. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Apr. 3: Goddard College, Haybarn Theatre,
123 Pitkin Rd., Plainfield, 7 p.m.
Apr. 3: Laugh Local VT Open Mic Comedy
Night. Montpelier's only monthly comedy
open mic. Sign-ups 7:30 p.m.; show starts 8
p.m. The American Legion Post #3, 21 Main
St., Montpelier. Free; donations welcome. Bob:
793-3884.

AUDITIONS
Lost Nation Theaters Summer Theater FOR
Kids BY Kids. Actors, singers and movers age 9
and up are encouraged to audition for LNTs
Production Camps. These are two 2-week,
full-day intensive camps that result in public,
fully-staged, professionally designed and
directed productions. Camps will culminate
in performances of Charlottes Web and Pippin.
Prepare one memorized monologue and 16
bars of a song no longer than two minutes total
and, if possible, a picture and resume. 14
p.m. Montpelier City Hall, Memorial Room,
39 Main St., 1F, Montpelier. First come, first
served. 229-0492. info@lostnationtheater.org.
lostnationtheater.org/production-camps

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 19

T H E B R I D G E

Visual Arts
EXHIBITS

Through Mar. 21: W. Ward, Tiny Mighty. Ink,


watercolor, mixed media with a focus on folklore
with futurism. Jaquith Public Library, 122
School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
Through Mar. 27: Ray Brown. Abstract oil
paintings inspired by travel to Florida and Italy.
gallery SIX, 6 Barre St., Montpelier. 552-8620.
gallerysixvt@gmail.com. gallerysixvt.weebly.
com.
Through Mar. 28: HOOKED in the Valley. 36
hooked rug pieces by the Mad River Rug Hookers with a wide range of subject matter, color
and design. Mon.Fri, 10 a.m.3 p.m.; Sat. by
appointment. The Festival Gallery, #2 Village
Square, Waitsfield. 496-6682. valleyartsfoundation.org.
Through Mar. 29: Romancing the Garden.
Group show: flowers, fauna, farms, gardens,
buds and blossoms. Thur.Sun., 11 a.m.4 p.m.
Bryan Memorial Gallery, 180 Main St., Jeffersonville.
Through Mar. 31: The Eyes Have It: Portraits
and Figures by August Burns. A collection of
paintings and drawings of men and women by
donation for seniors and $5 donation for others.
Get Your Taxes Done for Free with VITA. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is an IRS sponsored
program which uses trained volunteers to provide
free tax help. 5:308 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
122 School St., Marshfield. Free. Drop-ins welcome or call to make an appointment: 426-2018.
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open
to anyone who has experienced the death of a
loved one. 6-7:30 p.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
LGBT Series Book Discussion: The Price of
Salt by Patricia Highsmith. Discussion led by
a local scholar. Copies of the book are available at
the library. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. vista@kellogghubbard.org.
Monthly Book Group for Adults. Join us for
the Jaquith book group. March book is The

one of the areas most accomplished portraitists. Gallery hours: MonFri., 8 a.m.4:30 p.m.
The Supreme Court Gallery, Montpelier. Free.
828-5657.
Through Mar. 31: Glen Coburn Hutcheson,
Sketches in Oil. A loose array of work from
observation, imagination, and memory, with
varying degrees of finish. The Skinny Pancake,
89 Main St., Montpelier. glen@glencoburnhutcheson.com. glencoburnhutcheson.com.
Through Mar. 31: Athena Petra Tasiopoulos, Transcend. Mixed media works on paper.
Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. 4790896. espressobueno.com.
Through Apr. 1: Christopher J. Fuhrmeister.
Lighthouse photographs. Gifford Medical Center
Art Gallery (just inside main entrance), 44 S.
Main St., Randolph. Free. 728-7000.
Through Apr. 4: Studio Place Arts. Studio
Place Arts, 201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-7069.
studioplacearts.com.
Main floor: Rock-Paper-Scissors! More than 15
artists exhibit work involving these materials or
some aspect of the game in their artwork.
Second floor: Remembering Our Future Death.
Collages by Michelle Saffran.
Third floor: Fact and Fiction. Sculptures and
drawings by Margaret Jacobs.
Through Apr. 10: Green Mountain Graveyards: Photo Exhibit. Fascinating look into the
past with these photographs. Vermont History
Museum, 109 State St., Montpelier. Exhibit
included in museum fee. 828-2180. amanda.
Orchardist by Amanda Colin. For copies of the
book, please stop by the library. New members
are always welcome. Fourth Mon. through May,
7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St.,
Marshfield. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary@
gmail.com. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
NAMI Vermont Family Support Group. Support
group for families and friends of individuals living
with mental illness. Fourth Mon., 7 p.m. Central
Vermont Medical Center, room 3, Berlin. 800639-6480 or namivt.org.

Years of Living Dangerously Screening. Watch


an episode of the Emmy-winning series exploring
the human impact of climate change. The first 50
attendees will get a free drink ticket for a beer or
cider of their choice. Part of Net Zero Montpelier
community outreach in partnership with the
Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee. 7 p.m.
Sweet Melissas, 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. Free.
kcorey802@gmail.com. eanvt.org/net-zero-mont-

gustin@state.vt.us. vermonthistory.org/calendar.
Through Apr. 12: Play. Exhibition on the theme
of play filled with interactive artwork from
regional and national artists. Gallery hours:
Wed.Sun., noon5 p.m. Helen Day Art Center,
90 Pond St., Stowe. Donation. 253-8358. mail@
helenday.com. helenday.com/exhibitions/upcoming.
Through Apr. 12: Experiments: recent paintings and sculptures by Richard Whitten.
Gallery hours: Wed.Sun., noon5 p.m. Helen
Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. 253-8358.
helenday.com.
Through Apr. 29: Sarah-Lee Terrat, Inside
the Nitty Gritty- Commercial Art and the
Creative Process. Mixed media. Explore the
creative process as it relates to design, illustration and public art. Gallery hours: Mon.Thur.,
9 a.m.4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m. 2 p.m. The Gallery
at River Arts, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
Through Apr. 22: Chuck Bohn and Frederick
Rudi. Painters from Marshfield. Northeast
Kingdom Artisans Guild, 430 Railroad St., St.
Johnsbury. 748-0158.
Through Apr. 29: Sandra Shenk, A Celebration
of Color, Light and Form in the Southwest.
Travel and infrared photography. Gallery hours:
Mon.Thurs., 9 a.m. 4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.2 p.m.
Common Space Gallery, River Arts Center, 74
Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261. riverartsvt.
org.

pelier. yearsoflivingdangerously.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

Medicare and You Workshop. New to Medicare?


Have questions? We have answers. Second and
fourth Tues., 34:30 p.m. 59 N. Main St., Ste.
200, Barre. Free, donations gratefully accepted.
479-0531. cvcoa@cvcoa.org. cvcoa.org.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Free tax
preparation for people who have $53,000 or less in
income. 4:308 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. Denice, tax
preparation program coordinator: 477-5148.
Parenting Group. Share tips you've had success
with and troubleshoot common frustrations with
other parents. Come with at least one idea of
something that's worked well for you with your
family, and bring something you'd like help with.
Parents only please. 78 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
lincolnislincoln@hotmail.com. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Innovation and the Clean Energy Renaissance.


155 photographs will take you around the world
filling you with hope. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. vista@
kellogghubbard.org.
Montpelier City Council Meeting. Second and
fourth Wed., 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers,
Montpelier City Hall. 39 Main St., Montpelier.
montpelier-vt.org.

Through Apr. 30: Michael T. Jermyn, New


American Impressionism. Local photographer
Michael T. Jermyn presents some new photographic works along with a few old favorites.
Tues.Sun., noon10 p.m. Chill, 32 State St.,
Montpelier. 223-2445 or 223-1570.
Mar. 30May 8: Barre: Past and Present.
The Paletteers of Vermont Spring Art Show.
Reception: Apr. 1, 5:307 p.m. Aldrich Public
Library, Milne Room, 6 Washington St., Barre.
paletteers.us.
Through July 31: 1865, Out of the Ashes:
Assassination, Reconstruction, and Healing the Nation. Focuses on the aftermath of
the assassination of Pres. Abraham Lincoln,
the rehabilitation of the South and efforts to
unify the country. Museum hours: Mon.Fri., 8
a.m.4 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.4 p.m. Norwich University, Sullivan Museum and History Center,
Northfield. 485-2183. academics.norwich.edu/
museum/
Through July 31: Kara Walker, Juxtaposition,
Contemporary Specters, and Harpers Pictorial History of the Civil War. The artist combined her signature overlays of black silhouettes
with historic lithography to produce poignant
and sharp commentary on stereotypes found
in the nations history of slavery, Jim Crow and
segregation that still infiltrate present stereotypes. Mon.Fri., 8 a.m.4 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.4
p.m. Norwich University, Sullivan Museum and
History Center, Northfield. 485-2183. academics.norwich.edu/museum/

This is your Brain ... on Fun: Serious Adult


Uses for Outright Silliness. With Diana and
Jessamine Levine. 7 p.m. Twinfield Union School,
106 Nasmith Brook Rd., Plainfield. $10 suggested
donation. Must pre-register: 454-1298. townbraintap.net.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Federal and State Tax Return Preparation.


AARP tax preparers will be at TVSC to prepare
federal and state tax returns at no charge. Twin
Valley Senior Center, Blueberry Commons, Rte.
2, E. Montpelier. Free. Appointment required:
223-3322. They will tell you what paperwork you
need to bring with you.
Multiplici-Tea! Informal meet up and tea time
for parents experiencing the unique challenge of
caring for multiple birth children (twins, triplets,
etc.) Play space for toddlers, resources provided.
Free coffee and tea. Fourth Thurs., 9:3011:30
a.m. Good Beginnings of Central Vermont, 174
River St., Montpelier. 595-7953. gbcv91@gmail.
com. goodbeginningscentralvt.org.
Green Mountain Care Board Public Meeting.
Payment reform, insurance rate review, Certificate
of Need, hospital budgets, rulemaking and new
business. 14 p.m. GMCB Board Room, City
Center Building, 89 Main St., 2F, Montpelier.
gmcboard.vermont.gov.
Green Mountain Dog Club Monthly Meeting.
Learn about the club and events. All dog lovers
welcome. Fourth Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Commodores
Inn, Stowe. 479-9843 or greenmountaindogclub.
org.

PAG E 2 0 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

U-32 annual Community Spaghetti Dinner,


Raffle and Silent Auction. Pasta meal with garlic
bread, salad, drinks and dessert. Hundred of items
up for bid at silent auction. Fabulous prizes at
raffle table. Benefits 8th grade trip to Washington
D.C. in June. Two seatings: 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
U-32, 930 Gallison Hill Rd., Montpelier. Adults
$10; students and seniors $5; family $30; take-out
$10. Tickets available at door and from U-32 8th
graders. 229-0321 ext. 5561.
Mayo's Taste of Maple. Maple food tasting,
chef contest and silent auction will benefit Mayo
Healthcare. Attendees can sample sweet and
savory maple items and help decide the People's
Choice winner. 5:308 p.m. Fresh Tracks Farm
Vineyard & Winery, 4373 VT Rte. 12, Berlin.
$25 includes glass of wine, tasting, hors d'oeuvres
and a silent auction. Only 75 tickets available.
brownpapertickets.com. 485-3161.
Author Reading with Carol Noyes. Author
reading of Coming Full Circle: One Womens
Journey Through Spiritual Crisis. Noyes memoirs about how she was able to heal with natural
alternatives and the insights she gained during
her journey. Lightfoot Farms herbal teas will be
served. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School
St., Marshfield. Free. 485-7444. caroln1@tds.net.
carolnoyesauthor.com.
Friday Night Group. For youth age 1322 who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or
questioning. Pizza, soft drinks and conversation.
Cofacilitated by two trained, adult volunteers

THE BRIDGE

from Outright VT. Second and fourth Fri.,


6:308 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-7035. Micah@OutrightVT.
org.

Popp, botanist for the Vermont Department of


Fish and Wildlife. 1:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. vista@
kellogghubbard.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

The Wisdom to Survive: Climate Change,


Capitalism, & Community. Film features
thought leaders and activists in the realms of
science, economics and spirituality discussing
how we can evolve and take action in the face of
climate disruption. Among those featured are Bill
McKibben, Joanna Macy and Ben Falk. Panel discussion follows film. Part of the Green Mountain
Film Festival. 3:30 p.m. Pavilion Auditorium, 109
State St., Montpelier. Reserve tickets: gmffestival.
org, 223-0050 or at 13 Main St., Montpelier.

Auction at Bethany Church. Collectibles, memorabilia, household and decorative items, door
prizes. Preview 8 a.m.; bidding starts 9:30 a.m.;
breakfast 89:30 a.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main
St., Montpelier.
Vermont State Science and Mathematics Fair.
Showcases the work of Vermont public, private
and homeschool students in grades 512 who
have won local science and math fair competitions. The students will display projects that
tackle questions and pose solutions arising from
the fields of science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM). 9 a.m.4 p.m.; awards ceremony
in Dole Auditorium 1:30 p.m. Norwich University, Bartoletto Hall, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield.
Free; open to the public. 485-2319. pinkhamc@
norwich.edu. scifair@norwich.edu.
The Stowe Home & Garden Show. Mar. 2829.
The most up-to-date information on products and
services for your home and garden. Learn about
the latest design and remodeling trends from
industry experts and explore innovative ideas for
every area of your home. Foodie Fair. 10 a.m.6
p.m. Stowe High School, 413 Barrows Rd., Stowe.
Free; suggested donation to benefit Stowe Theatre
Guild. stowehomeshow.com.
Rare and Endangered Plants: What Allows
Plants to Make a Difference? A talk by Bob

Support Autism Awareness. The Vermont


Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star will be hosting a dinner with door prizes, raffles and dancing.
Live music by Donna Thunders and the Storm.
Benefits Vermont Achievement Centers programs.
5:30 p.m. Boutwell Masonic Center, 288 Gallison
Hill Rd., Montpelier. Donations: adults $20;
children 10 and under $5. 297-1439. barbara@
colemansvt.com.
Poetry Workshop: Courting The Muse. Foursession workshop focused on generating poems.
Open to six new writers or serious scribblers.
Begin or add to your treasure trove of writing
prompts in a small group experience led by an
experienced writer. Workshop starts Mar. 28. in
Montpelier. $120. kate@katefetherston.com. katefetherston.com. See classified listing on page 19.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

Walk East Montpelier with Green Mountain


Club. Easy. 46 mile walk along the back roads of
East Montpelier. Contact Ken for meeting time
and place: hertzkj@gmail.com.
The Stowe Home & Garden Show. Mar. 2829.
The most up-to-date information on products and
services for your home and garden. Learn about
the latest design and remodeling trends from
industry experts and explore innovative ideas for
every area of your home. Foodie Fair. 10 a.m.4
p.m. Stowe High School, 413 Barrows Rd., Stowe.
Free; suggested donation to benefit Stowe Theatre
Guild. stowehomeshow.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 30

VSAC College Planning Event at Lyndon State


College. Conference guides students and parents
through the college process from thinking
about how to find colleges that meet the students
needs to outlining the specific steps of applying
to programs and getting financial aid. 4:158:30
p.m. Lyndon State College, Twilight Theater, Lyndonville. Free. Register: vsac.org/CollegePathways

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to


anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 1011:30 a.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. First Wed., 10 a.m.Noon. Barre Presbyterian Church, Summer St. 476-1480.
Central Vermont Job Fair. Hosted by Central
Vermont Economic Development and VocRehab.
10 a.m.4 p.m. Barre City Auditorium, 18 Seminary St., Barre. Free.
Climate Change Update. With Meteorologist
Roger Hill. An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
program. Doors open 12:30 p.m. for those wishing to bring a brown bag lunch; program 1:303
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St., Montpelier. $5 suggested donation to Osher.
223-2518.
Poet Ellen Bryant Voigt at Norwich University.
Voigt will read from her work to help Norwich
kick off its PoemCampus celebration. Voigts
poetry collections include Shadow of Heaven,
Kyrie and Headwaters: Poems. Book signing
follows. 4 p.m. Norwich University, 158 Harmon
Dr., Northfield. Free. writers.norwich.edu/poemcampus.
American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors
of all blood types are needed. 5:30 p.m. Capitol
Plaza, 100 State St., Montpelier. 1-800-RED
CROSS. redcrossblood.org.
Small Business Workshop. Learn how to start
or expand your small business with experienced
business counselors. 68 p.m. Capstone Community Action, 20 Gable Pl., Barre. Free. Laura:
477-5176, lsudhoff@capstonevt.org. Margaret:
477-5214, mferguson@capstonevt.org.

Cancer Support Group. First Wed., 6 p.m.


Potluck. For location, call Carole MacIntyre
229-5931.
U-32 School Board Meeting. Open to the public
and community members are always welcome to
attend. 6 p.m. U-32, Rm. 131, 930 Gallison Hill
Rd., Montpelier. 229-0321.
Montpelier School Board Meeting. 7 p.m.
Montpelier High School library, 5 High School
Dr., Montpelier. 225-8000.
Film and Talk. Freedom & Unity: Historical
Thoughts on a Radical Community of Architects
in Vermont with Danny Sagan. 7 p.m. River
Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5.
riverartsvt.org.
Photographing Children: Elements of Quality
Portrait Shooting . With Andrea Carbonneau. 7
p.m. Twinfield Union School, 106 Nasmith Brook
Rd., Plainfield. $10 suggested donation. Must preregister: 454-1298. townbraintap.net.
Farmers Night: Kicking Off PoemCity with
Major Jackson. Award-winning American poet,
UVM professor and author of three collections of
poetry: Holding Company, Hoops and Leaving Saturn talks about the importance of poetry
and shares his poems. Presented by the Vermont
Legislature as part of the Farmers Night concert
series. 7:30 p.m. Vermont State House, House
Chamber, State St., Montpelier. Free.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

MBAC Meeting. Meeting of the Montpelier


Bicycle Advisory Committee. First Thurs., 8 a.m.
Police Station Community Room, 534 Washington St., Montpelier. 262-6273.
Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 78 p.m.
Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical
Center. 371-4152.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Death Caf. Group discussion about death with


no agenda, objectives or themes. This is a confidential group discussion rather than a grief support or counseling session. First Fri., 11:45 a.m.1
p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry
Commons, E. Montpelier. Bring your own lunch
or eat at the center for $4. 223-3322.
Coffeehouse. Enjoy live music and share your
own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.
First Fri., 79 p.m. Trinity United Methodist
Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier (park and enter
at rear). Free. 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@
comcast.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier


Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room,
1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093.
Spring Egg Hunt. Hosted by the Montpelier
Recreation Department. Candy, prizes, fun. For
children ages 12 and under. Arrive by 9:45 a.m.;
hunt starts 10 a.m. Hubbard Park, Montpelier.
Free. 225-8699. montpelierrec.org.
Community Playgroup. The classroom is filled
with simple toys made of natural materials to
stimulate a young childs natural curiosity and
allow them to explore in a safe and warm space.
An early childhood educator will be present
to provide free play and conversation, seasonal
songs, lap games and an occasional puppet story.
For children under 4 years accompanied by their
parent or caregiver. Every Sat. Apr. 4May 23,
1011:30 a.m. The Childs Garden, 155 Northfield St., Montpelier. Free. Pre-registration appreciated: morgan.i@ovws.org.
Osteoporosis Education and Support Group.
For those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, have a family member
who has been diagnosed or want to learn about
osteoporosis. Learn from a variety of guest speakers and medical specialists. First Sat., 13 p.m.
Community National Bank, Community Room,
Crawford Rd., Derby. 535-2011. mary@betterbonesnek.org. betterbonesnek.org.

Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 21

T H E B R I D G E

Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 2299212. bagitos.com.
Mar. 20: Lane Gibson (indie folk, rock) 68
p.m.
Mar. 21: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Lefty Unger
(blues/funk/soul) 68 p.m.
Mar. 22: Two Cents in the Till (bluegrass) 11
a.m.1 p.m.
Mar. 25: Alice & Adam with Autumn FutakCole (contemporary folk) 68 p.m.
Mar. 26: Rockwood Ferry (alt. folk) 68 p.m.
Mar. 27: Bitter Greens (Americana, swing, alt.
country) 68 p.m.
Mar. 28: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Danny Fallon
& Friends (acoustic folk, rock, country) 68
p.m.
Mar. 29: Bleeker & McDougal (folk) 11 a.m.1
p.m.
Mar. 31: The Peoples Caf, 68 p.m.
Charlie O's World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Mar. 20: Abby Jenne (rock) 7 p.m.; Green Mt.
Playboys (Cajun) 10 p.m.
Mar. 21: Broken String Band (bluegrass) 7 p.m.;
The Cop-Outs (Irish punk) 10 p.m.
Mar. 27: Abby Jenne (rock) 7 p.m.; Rough
Francis, Gorcrow (punk, metal) 10 p.m.
Mar. 28: Dan Zura, Kenna Donovan (acoustic)
7p.m.; Toot Sweet (Gypsy) 10 p.m.
North Branch Caf. 41 State St., Montpelier.
Free. 552-8105. donia@thenorth-branch.com.
thenorth-branch.com.
Mar. 21: Michelle Rodriguez (blues, jazz, indie-

folk) 7:30 p.m.


Mar. 26: Neil Fitzgerald (acoustic guitar) 7 p.m.
Nutty Steph's. 961C U.S. Rte. 2, Middlesex.
Free. 229-2090. nightlife@nuttystephs.com. nuttystephs.com.
Mar. 19: Sergio Torres, 7 p.m.; Andric Severance, 9 p.m.
Mar. 20: Rauli Fernandez & Friends, 7 p.m.
Mar. 26: Sparklemuffin, 6 p.m.; Cookies Hot
Club, 7 p.m.; Andy Plante, 10 p.m.
Mar. 27: Jazzaoke! 7 p.m., $5 (get $1 back for
every song you sing).
Sweet Melissas. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. Free
unless otherwise noted. 225-6012. facebook.com/
sweetmelissasvt.
Mar. 19: Ben Kogan Band, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 20: Honky Tonk Happy Hour with Mark
LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Small Change, 9 p.m.
Mar. 21: Penny Arcade, 5 p.m.; Red hot Juba,
9 p.m. $5.
Mar. 24: Jason Mallory, 5 p.m.; Open Mic
Night, 7 p.m.
Mar. 25: Wine Down with D. Davis, 5 p.m.;
Dan Zura, 8 p.m.
Mar. 26: Two Cents in the Till, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 27: Honky Tonk Happy Hour with Mark
LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Tritium Well, 9 p.m
Mar. 28: David Langevin, 5 p.m.; Michelle
Sarah Band, 9 p.m. $5.
Mar. 31: Gabriel, 5 p.m.; Open Mic Night, 7
p.m.
The Whammy Bar. 31 County Rd., Calais. 7
p.m. Free. 229-4329. whammybar1.com.
Mar. 19: The Turning Stile
Mar. 20: Sara Grace
Mar. 21: Piper's Den

SPECIAL EVENTS
Mar. 21: Music for a March Evening. Faculty concert, dinner and auction presented by
Monteverdi Music School. 6 p.m. Monteverdi
Music School, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. Adults
$25; students/seniors $20; children 10 and under
$10. 229-9000. director@monteverdimusic.org.
monteverdimusic.org/events

Mar. 21: Vassily Primakov and Natalia Lavrovia. Piano duo. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall,
71-73 Main St., Montpelier. $32 advance; $35 day
of show; students $10. 728-6464. chandler-arts.
org.
Mar. 21: Cellist Edward Arron and Pianist Jeewon Park. Two of todays finest young classical
musicians offer a program of Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Piazzolla. The concert is part of
the TD Bank Celebration Series. 7:30 p.m. Barre
Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $1527. 4768188. barreoperahouse.org.
Mar. 22: Northern Harmony World Music Vocal Quartet in Concert. A program of a capella
music from many lands and many centuries,
including 14th century works by Ciconia, traditional music from Corsica, Georgia, Ukraine and
Bulgaria, and American shape-note and Appalachian songs. 4 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main
St., Montpelier. Suggested admission: adults $15;
students and seniors $10. 426-3210.

Mar. 28: Mini Mud. Annual performance of


young talent from across the region. 7 p.m.
Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.
Adults: $14 advance; $17 day of show. Students:
$6 advance; $8 day of show. 728-6464. chandlerarts.org.
Mar. 28: The Gibson Brothers. The winners of
the 2012 and 2013 Entertainers of the Year prize
from The International Bluegrass Music Awards
combine hard-driving Bill Monroe-style picking with sweet Louvin Brothers-like singing. 8
p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre.
$1829. 476-8188. barreoperahouse.org.
Apr. 3: First Friday: Sin or Salvation. 90s
style rock with inventive originals and carefully
selected covers. Part of Chandlers First Friday
series. 7:30 p.m. Chandlers Upper Gallery, 71-73
Main St., Randolph. $14. Admission includes one
free drink and snacks. 728-6464.

Apr. 4: Capital City Concerts: Muse Music.


Music inspired by magic, poetry, myth and storyMar. 25: Farmers Night: Blow, Blow Thou Win- telling including music by Maurice Ravel, Evan
Premo and Debussy. 7:30 p.m. Unitarian Church,
ter Wind. Vermont Symphonic Winds performs
130 Main St., Montpelier. $1525. capitalcitya concert for winds and voices to send winter on
its way. Presented by the Vermont Legislature as
concerts.org. Tickets also available at Bear Pond
part of the Farmers Night concert series. 7:30 p.m. Books, Montpelier.
Vermont State House, House Chamber, State St.,
Montpelier. Free.
Mar. 28: Montpelier Concert Crawl. Three
musical and culinary flavors in three different
homes. 6:309:30 p.m. All homes are within one
block of each other in the Meadow neighborhood
of Montpelier. Benefits the Montpelier Chamber
Orchestra concert season and Project Outreach.
$50. mcos@montpelierchamberorchestra.org.
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/montpelier-concertcrawl-tickets-15442907151.
Mar. 28: Allison Mann Jazz Ensemble. Live jazz
recording with Tom Cleary, John Rivers, Chris
Peterman, Geza Carr and Colin McCaffrey. This
the final show in the three-concert series "For My
Mother and Father." 7 p.m. Christ Church, 64
State St., Montpelier. $15. Reservations recommended. 223-4712. allisonjoymann@comcast.
net.

Submit your calendar


listing by using our
online submission form at
montpelierbridge.com/
calendar-submissions

OR
send listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is
March 26.

PAG E 2 2 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

Weekly Events
ART & CRAFT
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Noontime Knitters. All abilities welcome. Basics
taught. Crocheting, needlepoint and tatting also
welcome. Tues., noon1 p.m. Waterbury Public
Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. 244-7036.
Women Knitting for Peace Group. Knit/crochet
items to be donated to those in need world-wide.
Bring yarn and needles. Thurs., 1011 a.m. and
67:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518. For basic info.
and patterns: knitting4peace.org.

BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Fri., 46
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.

BOOKS & WORDS


Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., Hebrew; Tues., Italian;
Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
English Conversation Practice Group. For
students learning English for the first time. Tues.,
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St.
223-3403.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading
and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St. 223-3403.
"12 Steps to a Compassionate Life" Book
Discussion. A study group based on Karen
Armstrong's book, Sponsored by Bethany and
Christ Episcopal churches. Thurs. through Apr.
2, noon1 p.m. North Branch Caf, 41 State St.,
Montpelier. Free. revamyp@comcast.net.

BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Free tax
preparation for people who have $53,000 or less in
income. Capstone Community Action, 20 Gable
Place, Barre. Free. 479-1053.
Mon. through Apr. 6, 4:308 p.m.
Tues. through Apr. 7, 4:308 p.m.
Wed. through Apr. 1, 4:308 p.m.

Calendar of Events

THE BRIDGE

Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.

Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60 Band.


Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.noon.
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
Computer and Online Help. One-on-one comMontpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
puter help. Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Water- Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Montpelier. 223-2518.
bury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free.
223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
Sing
while
exercising.
Open
to
all
seniors.
Every
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building and
information.
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance,
Montpelier
Senior
Activity
Center,
58
Barre
St.,
Piano Workshop. Informal time to play, refresh
investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m. Central
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
your skills and get feedback if desired with
Vermont Medical Center, Conference Room 3.
montpelier-vt.org.
other supportive musicians. Singers and listeners
Registration: 371-4191.
welcome. Thurs., 45:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. BethaActivity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free;
ny Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-3483.
open to the public. 223-2518. msac@montpelierOvereaters Anonymous. Twelve-step provt.org.
Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome. gram for physically, emotionally and spiritually
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and
Free.
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and second
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
St. 223-2518.
Sat.,
8:309:30
a.m.
at
Episcopal
Church
of
the
a.m.1 p.m.
Good Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249- Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
3970. Every Fri., noon1 p.m. at Bethany Church, Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.
a.m.1 p.m.
115 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079.
light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.
HIV
Testing.
Vermont
CARES
offers
fast
oral
12:30 p.m.
testing. Thurs., 25 p.m. 58 East State St., Ste. 3
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30
(entrance at back), Montpelier. Free. 371-6222.
a.m.1 p.m.
vtcares.org.
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
Collection Center accepts scores of hard-toa.m.12:30 p.m.
Growing Older Group. Informal drop-in group
recycle items. Tues. and Thurs., 12:30 p.m.5:30
to share experiences, thoughts and fears about
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
p.m. ARCC, 540 North Main St., Barre. $1 per
aging. Every Fri., 10:3011:30 a.m. Montpelier
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. carload. 229-9383 x106. cvswmd.org.
4:305:30 p.m.
223-2518.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
Womens Group. Women age 40 and older extwinvalleyseniors.org.
plore important issues and challenges in their lives
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds ben- Baby & Toddler Story Time. Every Mon., 10 a.m. in a warm and supportive environment. Facilitated
efit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and Fri., Waterbury Public Library temporary location, 30 by Amy Emler-Shaffer and Julia W. Gresser. Wed.
noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:3011:30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036. waterevenings. 41 Elm St., Montpelier. 262-6110.
burypubliclibrary.com.
a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
The Basement Teen Center. Cable TV, PlayStasuggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:
tion 3, pool table, free eats and fun events for
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
teenagers. Mon.Thurs., 36 p.m.; Fri., 311 p.m.
Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we
229-9151.
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
Story Time and Playgroup. Story time with
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
Sylvia Smith and playgroup with Melissa Seifert. room. When we are closed, we have free literature
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
For ages birth6 and grown-ups. We follow the
for individuals and their families in or seeking
out on the portico, over the bench, for you to read
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold or take with you. Hours: Tues., 11 a.m.5 p.m.;
programs when Twinfield is closed. Every Wed.
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.Sat., 11 a.m.1
through June 3. 1011:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Li- p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier. 223-2477.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
brary, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
67:30 p.m.
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only: 479Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m. Read to Coco. Share a story with Coco, the resi- 0302.
dent licensed reading therapy dog, who loves to
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
hear kids practice reading aloud. Wed., 3:304:30 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those
interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
Richardson, Osteoporosis exercise and prevention Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665 or at the
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St., Barre.
program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.
Register: 479-3253.
shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own.
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and
All ages. Every Mon. and Wed., 78 a.m. Twin
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text
share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry Comstudy and discussion on Jewish spirituality. Sun.,
life.
Each
week
well
read
stories
and
spend
time
mons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174 or
4:456:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center,
together.
A
great
way
to
introduce
your
pre238-0789.
schooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every Montpelier. 223-0583. info@yearning4learning.
Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome.
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151 org.
Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 10:4511:45 a.m. Twin High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.
Thurs. through Apr. 2, 8 a.m.2 p.m.
Sat. through Apr. 11, 10 a.m.3 p.m.

FOOD & DRINK

RECYCLING

KIDS & TEENS

SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY

SPIRITUALITY

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SPORTS & GAMES

Read with Arlo. Meet reading therapy dog Arlo


and his owner Brenda. Sign up for a 20-minute
block. Thurs., 45 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Roller Derby Open Recruitment and Recre135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-4665. kellogghub- ational Practice. Central Vermonts Wrecking
bard.org.
Doll Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up.
No experience necessary. Equipment provided:
Robins Nest Nature Playgroup. Playgroup for
first come, first served. Sat., 56:30 p.m. Montparents, caregivers, and children ages birth5.
pelier Recreation Center, Barre St. First skate free.
Spontaneous play, exploration, discovery, song,
centralvermontrollerderby.com.
nature inspired crafts and story telling. Every Fri.,
9:3011:30 a.m. North Branch Nature Center,
713 Elm St., Montpelier. Free. 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org.
Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths
Preschool Story Time. Every Fri., 10 a.m.
Waterbury Public Library temporary location, 30 welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church,
Montpelier. 223-6043.
Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.
Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier.
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative exploratory arts program with artist/instructor Kelly Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.
Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon. River Arts Meditation Sitting Group. Facilitated by Sherry
Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261.
Rhynard. A weekly meditation group offers ways
RiverArtsVT.org.
to find out more about meditation and gives support to an existing or a new practice. Every Thurs.,
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if 5:306:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical Center,
130 Fisher Rd., Berlin. Free. 272-2736. sherry@
you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
easeofflow.com.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. 426-3581.
Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Tues., 78
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for p.m.; Wed., 67 p.m. New location: Center for
Culture and Learning, 46 Barre Street, Montpelocation and information.
lier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org.

YOGA & MEDITATION

MUSIC & DANCE


Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal.
Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon., 7
p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 223-2039. BarretonesVT.com.

Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.


Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 2 3

T H E B R I D G E

Class listings and classifieds are 50 words for $25.


To place an ad, call Michael,
223-5112 ext. 11.

Design & Build


Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Additions Timber Frames

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The ideal applicant would be interested in organic farming, reliable, energetic, able to work
well with a crew and independently. Previous
farm experience preferred.
Seasonal work from MayOctober, with
short term positions (June peony harvest) also
available. Farm is in Roxbury Vermont (www.
thirdbranch.com).
To apply, send your cover letter, resume and
three employment references to:
jobs@thirdbranch.com

OFFICE SPACE FOR


RENT:
AVAILABLE FOR SHARE
A GREAT OFFICE
Impressive furnished professional office IDEAL
Montpelier location, including 1 reserved
parkspace. NEW: conference table, 4 chairs,
leather recliner, couch, refrigerator, file cabinet.
Internet, phone, TV, paper shredder, etc. Priced
realistically. Quiet, classy, efficient. Contact
Rudy at 802-223-2761 please leave message.

Weatherization Remodeling

WORKSHOP:
POETRY WORKSHOP:
COURTING THE MUSE
Four-session workshop focused on generating
poems. Open to six new writers or serious
scribblers. Begin or add to your treasure trove of
writing prompts in a small group experience led
by an experienced writer.
Montpelier, Saturday March 28, April 4,11, and
18. $120. For more information, visit katefetherston.com or email kate@katefetherston.
com

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PAG E 24 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

THE BRIDGE

In Defense of Parents Who Vaccinate Their Children


by Ashley Shelby

Opinion

n an opinion published in The Bridges March 5 edition, anti-vaccine activist and homeopath Charlotte Gilruth makes false and
defamatory accusations about the parent-led vaccine organization
Voices for Vaccines, for which I volunteer as co-director. The other
director, Karen Ernst, is a military wife and mother of three. Neither
she nor I are, as Gilruth claims, a CDC veteran. Further, we are
not an off-shoot of a task force funded by Merck and Novartis and
the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. We rely exclusively, and entirely, on member
donations.

We are administratively housed at the Task Force for Global Health, but Gilruth seems
to misunderstand that concept. It means that we are currently so small in size administratively that we require an administrative home in order to operate. The Task Force for
Global Health provides us a mailing address to receive donations from our members that
are earmarked for Voices for Vaccines. We do not receive money from the Task Force for
Global Health or any pharmaceutical company. In fact, we have to pay the Task Force for
Global Health for its administrative services. Both Karen and I live in the Twin Cities,
not Georgia, where the Task Force is based. This is because we have no relationship with
them beyond one that is administrative in nature.
But this is almost beside the point. Gilruths argument, while wildly inaccurate, is not
unfamiliar to us. At first, Karen and I were bemused and then bewildered that two
midwestern moms would be accused of being pharma shills or in the pocket of Big
Pharma. Then we learned we werent the only parents being targeted in this manner. It
seemed any time a mother or father would speak out on social media about his or her decision to vaccinate their children, they would find themselves the target of similar attacks
something that became so predictable that we came to call the pharma shill gambit.
Apparently there are people out there, Gilruth included, who seriously believe that pharmaceutical companies are not only employing tens of thousands of people to pose as
parents on Facebook, Twitter, and blog posts, but have also apparently bought the silence
of pediatricians, public health officials and other medical providers. Gilruth seems to be-

Opinion
S

lieve in a vast worldwide conspiracy of silence regarding the safety of


vaccines, that all of us doctors, scientists, public health employees,
even parents like Karen and me know that vaccines are harmful
but have decided to say otherwise because somehow we can make a
buck by doing so. As a former journalist, I find it incredible that this
alleged conspiracy which would have to be the largest and longestlived in human history has gone undiscovered by enterprising
investigative journalists for decades.
It may help Gilruth sleep at night to believe that the 90 percent of parents who vaccinate
their children are all being manipulated by fake grassroots (astroturf ) groups created
and funded by the vaccine industry, as she writes. That every parent who speaks out
in favor of vaccines is being bought. And in some ways, I hope she and her anti-vaccine
brethren continue with this approach, because to the truly vaccine-hesitant parent (yes,
I was once one myself) this kind of twisted logic and fantasy-making is not only unconvincing, its downright suspicious in its outrageousness. To all but the most conspiracyminded, the baseless accusations wear thin, especially when anti-vaccine mouthpieces like
Gilruth are, in their desperation, resorting to ad hominem attacks based on lies, such as
the ones she perpetuates in her frantic op-ed mentioning Voices for Vaccines.
Not only does Voices for Vaccines purport to be a parent-driven group, we are one. Just
ask any of our members. I imagine they might laugh if they knew that Gilruth and her
ilk accuse them of being pharma shills as they struggle to find a sitter or try to get the
brakes on their car fixed before their next mortgage payment is due. Or, like me, as they
type out responses to attacks like this on their beat-up laptop on their beat-up couch after
putting their kids to bed. We may not have the deep pockets of Joseph Mercola, Jenny
McCarthy, Generation Rescue, Vermont Coalition for Vaccine Choice, and other organizations promoting anti-vaccine misinformation, but were on the right side of history and
science. And we tell the truth.
The author is co-director of Voices for Vaccines, www.voicesforvaccines.org, and founder and
editor of Moms Who Vax www.momswhovax.blogspot.com

Cool The Arctic, Save The World


by Cody Michaels

o its official: The National Academy of Sciences recently announced that we are
in fact in a climate crisis of our own making due to our failure to get off fossil fuels
when we should have done that back in the 1970s and 80s.

The academy is now calling for dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, including from fracking, along with major reforestation and topsoil restoration efforts, beginning this decade all good ideas, long overdue, and talk about a jobs and infrastructure
program! The situation does indeed now seem dire. Even as I type this, the Arctic is in
a death spiral, and it seems hell-bent on taking us down along with it. Its sea-ice pack is
going fast. Greenland is also showing early signs of rapid ice-collapse. If it lets out, this
will raise seas substantially and quickly, well before later this century.
And methane (a super-potent greenhouse gas) is increasingly erupting from thawing Arctic tundra and shallow sea floor permafrost, most notably, along the East Siberian Arctic
Shelf, in amounts that have been described by scientists as horrific. The Earth's temperate oceans decided theyd had enough of overheating due to unnatural global warming

Got a news tip? We want to know!


Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com

from fossil fuel emissions. Now, they are giving this heat back to the Arctic Ocean in
trumps. Because of this, the Arctic has recently warmed up to a point where the temperature difference between it and the equator has diminished substantially, weakening the
polar jet stream. This is allowing for the air patterns that are leading to a marked increase
in abnormal, highly damaging, weather events of late, including a displaced polar vortex,
according to an article in Scientific American.
And a number of Arctic specialists are saying it could get much worse, real fast. Theyre
saying that Mother Earths biosphere is so maxed out from greenhouse gases, that even
serious emissions reductions and far better stewardship will no longer be enough to save
the day on their own anymore. In order to stave off disaster, a safe and efficient way to
capture excess carbon from the atmosphere, and put it back in the ground where it belonged in the first place, must be found before long.
So, here we are, at least half-way to heck with a huge decision on our hands: Do we continue to go along with global warming and climate change deniers, or not?

Opinion
I

Dancing and Singing


is Fun and Healthy
by Constancia Gomez

have been lucky enough to dance and sing with many kids around the state since
I stopped teaching Spanish full time in a school. I really think that kids learn best
when they are happy, and singing is a great tool for teaching. I have been singing
Spanish songs with kids, with Spanish Musical Kids around Buenos Aires, Boston,
Vermont, Alaska, New York City and California. Mothers, parents, grandparents and
caretakers sing with us and it is so nice to see so many families connecting.
I love to sing and dance with families. It is my passion! I love to see young kids dancing and smiling, being so happy. I have been doing this since 2009, when I became a
mother of a beautiful daughter, Lucia. For some reason I could not stop singing to her.
Maybe this was because I come from a musical family. My grandmother was a music
teacher and my mother was a musician. My mom played the piano, the guitar and she
used to sing to us all the time, during 12-hour car rides and at the house: Always. My
grandmother played piano and sang also. So, I grew up thinking that this was the way
everybody did it.
It is proven by many studies that music makes you happy and dancing helps in many
ways, like losing weight, reducing stress, fighting depression and much more! So get out
there in the living room, sing and dance with your kids and family, like the mayor of
Burlington, Miro Weinberger, came and joined us this past Thursday at the Fletcher
Free Library with his wife and daughter! Music is fun and your kids will thank you in
the end.
Constancia Gomez is a teacher at PACEM and the founder of Spanish Musical Kids and
La Lu Farm.

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 2 5

T H E B R I D G E

Over the Top Kickstarter Campaign


to Benefit The Bridge
by Nat Frothingham

umbled, Grateful, Overwhelmed these were among


the many reactions at The Bridge office on Thursday
afternoon, March 12 to news that a Kickstarter Campaign to support the paper had gone over the top.

Editorial

When the Kickstarter campaign began on Friday, Feb. 13, the dollar
goal was set at $10,000, but when the four-week campaign officially
ended on Saturday, March 14. 173 backers had contributed $12,567 in amounts that
ranged from a dollar to over $1,000.
From time to time in recent years we have been encouraged to consider a Kickstarter
campaign as a way of reaching out to readers and friends to seek support for The Bridge.
Well, we demurred. And we demurred for good reason. There was no one at The Bridge
who could really conceive of such a campaign and take it every step of the way to a successful conclusion.
But this year, in the person of our Managing Editor Carla Occaso and with the help
of our graphic designer Marichel Vaught, we had the critical players who could put a
campaign together, take it online, and keep supporting the campaign with comment,
information, fresh offers of help, from beginning to end.
Our Kickstarter presentation begins with these words: The Bridge is a fiercely local,
twice-monthly newspaper that reports on the community around Montpelier, Vermont.
Of course, thats exactly what The Bridge is a twice-monthly, fiercely local newspaper that takes itself seriously but not too seriously. And the little videos that were part
of the Kickstarter presentation show us in both formal and casual clothes.

In formal clothes, of course, The Bridge reports on such august institutions as the Montpelier City Council and from time to time the Vermont State Legislature. In our casual
clothes, were a paper of enthusiasm. We treasure Montpeliers face-to-face downtown.
We embrace the arts. Were excited by people who put on plays, paint pictures, make
music, and protect historic buildings. Were also fascinated by innovation.
And we like to laugh.
Some of our enthusiasms and some of the silliness of life around us got expressed in our
Kickstarter campaign. We offered cupcakes as a reward for people who pledged money
to The Bridge. And after that offer, Carla asked New England Culinary Institute if they
would be willing to make the cupcakes, and they agreed. What do people really want
in their lives? Cupcakes. Those were the most popular reward offered to those who
pledged to our campaign.
We also got a strong response to an offer of computer help from Norwich University
computer expert Jeremy Hansen, a computer scientist who volunteered his time to help us
reach our goal. Subscriptions to The Bridge did well. Also popular was an offer from re-

tired professor Margaret Blanchard a writer and artist. Blanchard


offered two free hours of creativity consultation to any individual
who is imagining a creative project but who could use Margaret help
from visioning to planning to potential actualization. In addition,
artist Joyce Kahn volunteered to teach art.

Typically in past years, and as recent as about a month ago, The


Bridge reached out to readers and friends for help in with a traditional fundraising letter
and enclosed envelope. That letter had a wonderful response. But there was something in
the Kickstarter campaign that made it possible for us to reach out both to old friends and
to people who had never made a contribution to The Bridge before.
We had contributions from as far away as the North of England. After a gap of several
years I was in touch again with an old friend. People were stopping me in the street.
People were transfixed by a campaign that had four weeks to run and if you dont make
your goal you lose all the money already pledged. What fun! And thanks to everyone
who participated and pledged.

PAG E 26 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

Letters
Cringed at the Term
Women Wannabes
Editor:
While I appreciate The Bridge's profiles of
interesting (and fabulous) local businesses, I
have a few language issues with your story on
the Wig Goddess, Feb. 5.
The correct, broad term for folks whose gender identity is different than the one assigned
to them at birth is transgender (or trans
for short), not transgendered. We dont say
that someone is maled, femaled, lesbianed,
gayed, Latinoed, or blacked. Being trans is
an identity, not a thing that happens to you
or a thing that you did it's an adjective,
not a noun.
Also, toward the beginning of the story you
refer to "women and women wannabes." I
have to admit, I cringed when I read that sentence. No one is a woman wannabe (unless
you're comparing us all to society's ridiculous beauty standards, that is!). People who
identify as women are women. Period. Drag
queens and other folks who play with gender
presentation may or may not be women, but
their gender identity whatever it is is
as real as anyone else's, most certainly not
"wannabe" anything.
I think its great that The Bridge is talking about trans folks and gender issues, but
next time, please take the time to check that
your language is inclusive and not offensive.
GLAAD's media guide for covering LGBT
and queer issues is a good resource: glaad.
org/reference.
Dana Dwinell-Yardley
Montpelier

Shumlin Failed on
Health Care Financing
Editor:
My name is Farid Quraishi and I am a
student at SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro. People get sick. Its a reality of life.
When I was a child I had to undergo a

THE BRIDGE

Bravo to Chris Wood!

What Do You Think?


Read something that you would like to respond to? We welcome your letters and
opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces. Send your
piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is March 27.
major operation on my abdominal wall and
large intestine to correct a condition that was
causing constant discomfort and pain. The
health care costs attributed to this surgery
went well into the thousands and caused
my parents to be financially set back for
many years. No parent should ever be in
a position to decide between the comfort
of their child and financial detriment. The
Shumlin administration's failure to follow
through on a public financing system for
health care was a devastating blow to low
and middle income residents and essentially
rationalizes the desire for the privileged to
maintain the status quo. If our legislators really do represent the interests of residents in
this great state then they must swallow their
collective pride and work to find a way to
provide equitable health care for all people in
Vermont. No more excuses, no more delays.
The Health Care Is a Human Right's financing plan shows that it is completely possible
to publicly finance health care and its time
for legislators to follow through with their
commitments.

Green Mountain United Way


Campaign Underway
Editor:
As chair of this years Green Mountain
United Way campaign, I am writing to remind you that our appeal will continue until
April 30. Approximately 75 percent of the
$550,000 goal has been met. It is not too
late to make a contribution and help us meet
our goal.
This organization needs your help to meet
its total goal and continue to make a difference in the lives of Vermonters. If you have
already sent your contribution this year, we
thank you. Please consider sending your
tax-deductible check today to GMUW,
963 Paine Turnpike N #2, Montpelier, VT
05602 or donate online. Visit www.gmunitedway.org/waystogive.shtml.
Catherine Hamilton
Vice president of Consumer Services and Planning, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont

Educational Freedom
Available For a Price

Farid Quraishi
Brattleboro
Editor:

Cant Keep Quiet


Editor:
OK, I can't keep quiet any longer. I've kept
my mouth shut, told myself it really doesn't
matter. I've even tried to attribute it to a
matter of taste. But finally, after seeing it day
after day as I come into town by way of College Street, I must say something.
I'm referring to the big green VCFA logo
(and its rock slab) at the intersection of College and East State streets, perched on a
mound at the corner of the college green. It
used to be a lovely view from there, a spreading, quiet green backed up by stately College
Hall. But now, it's like approaching a mall,
and I can feel a chill creep over me.
Maybe the college is trying to send a message, bridging the gap between old and new,
historic and contemporary. But that message fails. The piece doesn't belong where
it is. It doesn't fit the environment. It's in
our face. It draws attention to itself while
obscuring, even severely detracting from, the
beautifully-proportioned setting of urban
meadow, old trees, and grand architecture
of another era.
And, my wife says, the rock slab behind the
logo is crooked.
Charles W. Johnson
East Montpelier

I congratulate Montpelier High School and


The Bridge for rediscovering the merits of
educational freedom, albeit limited to incoming foreign students. Apparently a government school managed to price its educational service and outsource the sales and
marketing. Kudos for the unexpected liberal
capitalism, in the most unlikely of places.
Can I hope that one day soon, students
zoned into unfavorable school districts in
other states might also be offered the same
opportunity and freedom?
Or perhaps the reverse ... might I hope that
an enterprising and adventurous student
with an abiding interest in Cantonese or
Mandarin in Montpelier would choose to
attend school in Beijing? Would the district
be willing to pick up some (or even all) of
the tab?
What of competition within Vermont itself,
on price, quality, offerings? Does the cash
taken from property owners in the name of
the children actually belong to them? Or
is it really intended as a building preservation fund, a union pension fund, a revenue
stream with "do it for the children" as plausible justification?
Dangerous stuff this freedom. So rare, I
hardly recognize it.
Tom Luther
Barre

Editor:
We are pleased to be credited with starting
the Green Mountain Film Festival (issue of
March 5-18), but we'd like to add that the
festival became a successful event in those
early years largely due to the vision, energy,
and organizational brilliance of our friend
and colleague Chris Wood (now of Tunbridge). Bravo, Chris, and "bon cinema" as
they say in Montreal!
Andrea Serota
Rick Winston

Government is Sticking it
to the Plow Drivers
To Gov. Peter Shumlin:
I am a hard-working Vermont state employee
for the Agency of Transportation (District
3). I plow the roads. Us plow drivers get up,
when needed, at 3 a.m. (sometimes working
seven days a week) to make sure our roads
are safe so Vermonters (including yourself)
can go to work and so everyone's kids can
get to school.
That said, I see and read the things you
and the legislature are proposing, and I very
much disapprove. You ask for pay cuts and
threaten to lay off 450 working-class people
if we do not open the contract which we negotiated with you in good faith. You refuse
to balance the budget by raising taxes on the
wealthy and instead want to take money out
of my pocket to cover your failures. You want
me and the other plow drivers to open our
contracts and give back the 2.5 percent pay
raise we all agree to.
I make just over $17 an hour, while the average wage of a plow driver is $38,000 a year.
Yet you have made it clear that you will not
tax the wealthy who can afford it to cover
the budget gap that you created. But I do
not expect you to necessarily understand the
hardships you are asking us to suffer, as I am
told you are personally worth $10 million.
Maybe you don't understand that taking $36
a paycheck out of my wages (which on average you are proposing for all plow divers) is
the difference between making or missing a
mortgage payment, a utility bill or buying
a pair of shoes for the kids. Maybe you also
don't understand how hard we work for the
modest pay we receive.
Therefore, I invite you, Mr. Governor, to
shadow my job as an AOT snowplow truck
driver through just one storm. Otherwise,
I look forward to remembering who stood
with and against working-class Vermonters
when I enter the booth during our next general election.
Ed Olsen
Proctor

M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015 PAG E 27

T H E B R I D G E

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Easter, Taxes Due


April 2 April 15, 2015
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RESERVATIONS DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 27.
For more information about advertising deadlines, rates and the design
of your ad call 223-5112 ext. 11 or email our ad sales representatives at
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PAG E 2 8 M A RC H 19 A P R I L 1, 2 015

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